Risk and Patient Safety module (PN50115)

This module focuses on the theories and principles underpinning risk management and patient safety, and explores the reasons for their continued emphasis within healthcare. You will also explore the practical tools and techniques that can be used to mitigate error and harm within your own organisation.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the historical development of risk management and patient safety, as well as the current drivers for ensuring the delivery of safe healthcare
• learn about the principles and theories that underpin how we manage risk and patient safety, with a strong emphasis on the cultural influences
• develop an understanding of the concept of 'human factors' and their impact on patient safety
• explore specific tools and techniques that are available for managing risk and patient safety, including national and international patient safety programmes and approaches

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• critically appraise and prioritise the drivers for risk and patient safety in healthcare
• analyse the underpinning theories and principles of risk management and patient safety, and apply them to your own local context
• critically appraise the application of human factors science on the delivery of safe care
• analyse and reflect on a range of tools and approaches to managing risk and patient safety

Assignments / assessment

• online debate (33%)
  • conducted over a 3-week period (Weeks 4-6)
  • based on a key theme from the module content
  • you will be assessed on your individual contribution
• essay 2,000 words (67%)
  • a written critique of a local tool supporting the management of risk and/or patient safety
  • the tool must be critiqued against relevant risk and patient safety theories or principles, and lead to an overall evaluation of whether it should be retained, modified, or replaced

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

The course is delivered entirely online and at a distance. You will learn by engaging with the online resources, which include:

• written learning materials
• directed and self-directed reading
• a range of activities
  • quizzes, reflections, and sharing perspectives
• discussion boards
• weekly live web conferences
  • all live sessions are recorded to ensure equal access to the learning

The learning is split into 4 units which are released in a staged manner (every 2-3 weeks). This ensures that you are all learning and participating together.

This module is one of the core modules for the MSc/PgDip/PgCert Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. However, it can also be taken on a stand-alone basis or as an option module for our other MSc programmes.