Systems Approach to Errors in Healthcare

This module will prepare you to comprehend the different approaches to the investigation of errors in both simple and complex systems.

You will be able to apply a range of system-based tools to effectively understand the causes of healthcare errors and find solutions to prevent reoccurrence.

This macro view proposes that adverse events in healthcare are rarely the result of individual error and effective healthcare results from interactions in a sociotechnical system, of which the person is one component.

The module is part of the Advanced Clinical Practice MSc, and can also be taken as a stand-alone module.

This module runs once a year. Please register your interest with pec@sgul.ac.uk for any information on future cohorts.

Who is it for?

This course is for registered healthcare professionals. Anyone working in a profession that is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council or the Nursing and Midwifery Council is welcome to apply. Nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, occupational therapists, paramedics and pharmacists are among those who would benefit from this course.

Benefits

By undertaking this module, you will gain a greater understanding of the causes of error within healthcare systems and be better informed to make effective interventions to prevent reoccurrence.

This short course module is designed to be flexible in allowing you to study and reach your goals at your own pace. Our health CPD courses are credit-bearing modules that may contribute to a University degree or award.

Transfer course credits towards postgraduate taught degree

As a health care professional, once you've completed this course you could offset 30 credits as part of a postgraduate programme, continuing your study with further modules to make up a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) 60 credits.

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) and its application within the NHS patient safety strategy
• Evidence a critical awareness of a range of system tools to carry out retrospective and prospective investigations in healthcare
• Demonstrate critical awareness of compounded harm and consider the importance of transparency and engagement with all of those harmed by patient safety incidents
• Contrast the principles, theories and frameworks relating to classical and contemporary models of complexity science
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the application of linear sequential models in safety investigations in healthcare models
• Compare and contrast ultrasafe, high reliability and ultra-adaptive systems and determine which safety models are most effective in each setting
• Demonstrate an understanding of just and restorative just culture and their application in a range of patient safety incidents.

Teaching will be made up of:

• Lectures, problem-based learning: a multi-professional perspective case scenarios, tutorials and critical reflection of clinical experiences (50 hours)
• Self-directed learning (200 hours)
• Assignment preparation (50 hrs).

Assessment

To successfully complete this course, you will be required to produce a written report (4,500 words). A single grade will be awarded to the assignment using one rubric.

Credits

This course is worth 30 credits toward eligible programmes.

You can apply for this module by completing this online application form.

If applying for this module, you MUST state the Module Title and Course Code in the personal statement tab. Without this we will be unaware of what module you are applying for and will delay your application decision.

You must possess the following UK or international qualifications:

Students with UK qualifications

You should have all of the following:

• Honours degree (2:2 or above) from the UK or Republic of Ireland
• recognised healthcare/health-related professional qualification and current professional registration
• at least one years full-time clinical experience (or the equivalent in part-time hours) in health or social care employment (for example nursing, paramedics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, radiology, etc).

Students with International qualifications

We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries. Please see our Entry Requirements page. For countries not on this list, we use UK ENIC to assess. Please see our International Student Support pages for more information.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at pec@sgul.ac.uk.

As part of a PGCert in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors, this module will be taken alongside Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors (15 Credits) and Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice (15 Credits).

English requirements

If English is not your first language, you will require one of the following:

• A first degree from a UK university
• A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City St George's, University of London as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions from Australia, Canada or the United States of America
• International English Language Test Service (IELTS) a score of 7.0 is required with no subtest below 7.0
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) score 72 required
• TOEFL 100 overall with 24 in Writing, 20 in Listening, 19 Reading and 20 Speaking
• Other evidence of proficiency in the English language, which satisfies the board of studies concerned, including registration with your professional regulator.

Full details can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.