The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has recently launched a new education programme that puts patient safety at the heart of training for junior doctors.
Asteering group with representatives from the AoMRC, NPSA, postgraduate deaneries, clinical tutors, junior doctors and patients contributed to the programme, including content, piloting and evaluation.
Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer for England, welcomed the move: “Education is key to embedding a patient safety culture in all healthcare settings and I welcome the contribution the NPSA is making to drive this initiative forward.”
Dr Maureen Baker, CBE, head of postgraduate professional education and special clinical adviser at the NPSA said: “Junior doctors are right at the front line of acute care in the NHS. When a patient is admitted to hospital, a junior doctor will be one of the first healthcare professionals encountered and junior doctors will be responsible for keeping the patient’s medical notes, ordering investigations, prescribing medication and monitoring the progress of the patient.
“It therefore makes sense, for doctors and for patients, that doctors in training learn and understand the principles of patient safety and how to be safe doctors.”
The programme consists of four modules, all of which will be available to download from the end of this month (November) at www.saferhealthcare.org.uk
