Improving patient safety with innovative training tools

World Patient Safety Day brings together patients, caregivers and healthcare experts to show a commitment to improving patient safety.

Organised by the World Health Organisation, this year’s theme focuses on improving diagnosis for patient safety, with the slogan,

‘Get it right, make it safe’. 

Diagnostic errors account for 16% of preventable patient harm, including incorrect, missed, delayed or miscommunicated diagnoses.

The impact of these errors can lead to prolonged or severe illness or even death. Diagnostic errors also increase costs for health services.

To help reduce these errors and increase patient safety, it is vital to understand the diagnostic process:

The patient’s initial presentation 

History taking and examination

Diagnostic testing

Discussion and communication of results

Collaboration and coordination 

Final diagnosis and treatment plan

Follow-up and re-evaluation 

With the right diagnosis, patients’ health problems can be correctly identified which allows for the provision of timely care and treatment.

What can be done to help reduce diagnostic errors?

Positive healthcare environments combined with quality diagnostic tools can help reduce errors.

Collaboration between patients, healthcare workers and carers is vital, with individuals empowered to voice their concerns.

Education is one of the most effective tools to improve the diagnosis process and reduce the number of diagnostic errors. With the right training, healthcare workers can improve their communication and decision-making skills and reduce the number of errors.

Healthcare Simulation can develop the skills needed to improve the diagnosis process and increase patient safety.

SimEPR

Electronic patient records are widely used across the NHS and full implementation is a key driver of the NHS digital transformation.

Studies have shown that literacy skills among clinicians varies. If Electronic Patient Records aren’t used safely and effectively, patient outcomes are affected.

Most trainees currently practise with outdated paper patient records, opening up a huge digital skills gap.

SimEPR is the only simulated Electronic Patient Record software and gives trainees the digital skills they need to feel confident in practice.

Review, prescribe and cease medication

Display blood gas, lab and radiology results

Request new tests that update in real time

Recognise patient deterioration from electronic observations and review fluid balance charts

With SimEPR, you can limit diagostic mistakes by developing these skills in the safety of simulation.

SimVox

SimVox gives you the power to turn any manikin into a communication training tool, with its AI generated conversational software.

Helping to support the development of vital patient communication skills that can support the diagnosis process.

The SimVox wireless smart speaker connects to a powerful conversational AI engine via an Andoid tablet. 

Simply place the speaker beside the manikin and allow your trainees to engage in realistic two-way conversations and understand the importance of history-taking and patient communication.

DxBAT Auscultation by Stealth Simulation

Auscultation skills are key to diagnosing respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal problems. Early diagnosis increases the chances of a positive outcome for patients.

Stealth Simulation has developed an innovative training tool, DxBAT, to support the development of these skills, using a standardised patient.

How is DxBAT different?

The innovative technology tracks a stethoscope’s location anywhere on the torso and neck, whilst monitoring the patient’s body position, allowing the trainee to auscultate the right sound in the right location.

Simulated sounds are synchronised in real-time to the standardised patient’s real cardiac and respiratory cycles, allowing you to change the condition for your scenario, including systolic vs. diastolic murmurs, inspiratory vs. expiratory adventitious sounds.