#1080 Medication Error Prevention and Patient Safety (15 Credits/hours)

Course Details:
Launch Date: August 5, 2025
Expires: August 31, 2027

Course #1080
15 Credits/Hours

Course Overview

This comprehensive course examines the critical aspects of medication error prevention and patient safety in healthcare settings. Participants will explore the systemic factors that contribute to medication errors, learn evidence-based strategies for prevention, and understand the role of healthcare professionals in creating a culture of safety. The course emphasizes practical applications of safety principles, regulatory requirements, and best practices to minimize medication-related adverse events and improve patient outcomes.

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Medication Errors and Patient Safety
2. Types and Causes of Medication Errors
3. The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Error Prevention
4. High-Alert Medications and Risk Management
5. Technology and Automation in Medication Safety
6. Communication Strategies and Handoff Protocols
7. Regulatory Standards and Quality Improvement Initiatives
8. Building a Culture of Safety and Error Reporting

 Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Define medication errors and identify their impact on patient safety and healthcare systems
• Recognize the most common types of medication errors and their underlying causes
• Apply evidence-based strategies to prevent medication errors at each stage of the medication use process
• Identify high-alert medications and implement appropriate safety measures to reduce associated risks
• Utilize technology and automated systems effectively to enhance medication safety
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques for medication-related information sharing and handoffs
• Understand regulatory requirements and quality improvement frameworks for medication safety
• Foster a non-punitive culture of safety that encourages error reporting and system improvement
• Analyze medication error case studies to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Implement personal and organizational strategies to promote continuous quality improvement in medication management