Introduction to cluster topics 911

Putting knowledge into practice: infection control, medication safety and invasive procedures.
The following three cluster topics are best taught when the students are on placement and allocated to a clinical environmentward or clinic. Much of this Curriculum Guide will be new knowledge for the students. However, unless they apply this new knowledge in the workplace, beside the bed or in the operating rooms or clinics, there will be little change to the quality of the health care being provided by students and doctors or received by the patients. Students need to practise the techniques and behaviours described in this Curriculum Guide. The following three topics of infection control, medication safety and surgery and invasive procedures have been developed from a patient safety perspective. They are designed to maximize the students ability to practise patient safety concepts and principles while on placements in the hospitals and clinics. Before teaching one or more of these topics it would be helpful to have some exposure to the concepts in the earlier topics, particularly the topics on teamwork, system thinking and errors. Topic 4 Being an effective team player is essential prior learning for each of these cluster topics. Each of the following topics depends on every member of the health-care team (including the medical student) knowing the relevance and importance of accurate and complete communications with others including the patients and their families. Students should become familiar with the many techniques such as checking, checklists, briefings, de-briefings, feedback and timely handover during their time on the wards. When students see the relevance of such techniques they are more likely to be early adopters of such techniques.

The following three topics heavily rely upon the implementation of appropriate and authorised guidelines. Understanding the role of guidelines and why they are important to health care will show students that good patient outcomes are dependent on all the members of the health care team following the same treatment plans. Guidelines are designed to assist patient management using the best evidence available. Evidenced based practice uses the best evidence available to lessen variation and reduce risks to patients. There is plenty of evidence to show that the appropriate use of clinical guidelines can minimize adverse events caused by overuse, under use, and misuse of medical care [1,2].

References 1. British Medical journal Clinical Evidence (Web page) http://www.clinicalevidence.com accessed 26 November 2008. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the Quality Chasm: a New Health System for the 21st Century. Washington DC: National Academy Press, 2001.

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