Core competencies to carry out patient safety research
| 1. Describe the fundamental concepts of the science of patient safety, in their specific social, cultural and economic context. These concepts include the following items, among others: |
| 1.1 Basic definitions and foundational concepts, including human factors and organizational theory |
| 1.2 The burden of unsafe care |
| 1.3 The importance of a culture of safety |
| 1.4 The importance of effective communication and collaboration in care delivery teams |
| 1.5 The use of evidence-based strategies for improving the quality and safety of care |
| 1.6 The identification and management of hazards and risks |
| 1.7 The importance of creating environments for safe care |
| 1.8 The importance of educating and empowering patients to be partners for safer care |
| 2. Design and conduct patient safety research. These competencies include the ability to perform but are not necessarily restricted to the following: |
| 2.1 Search, appraise and synthesize the existing research evidence |
| 2.2 Involve patients and carers in the research process starting with defining the research objectives |
| 2.3 Identify research questions that address important knowledge gaps |
| 2.4 Select an appropriate qualitative or quantitative study design to answer the research question |
| 2.5 Conduct research using a systematic approach, valid methodologies and information technology |
| 2.6 Employ valid and reliable data measurement and data analysis techniques |
| 2.7 Foster interdisciplinary research teams and supportive environments for research |
| 2.8 Write a grant proposal |
| 2.9 Obtain research funding |
| 2.10 Manage research projects |
| 2.11 Write-up research findings and disseminate key messages |
| 2.12 Evaluate the impact of interventions as well as feasibility and resource requirements |
| 2.13 Identify and evaluate indicators of patients safety for use in monitoring and surveillances |
| 2.14 Ensure professionalism and ethical conduct in research |
| 3. Be part of the process of translating research evidence to improve the safe care of patients. The skills involved include but are not restricted to the ability to contribute to: |
| 3.1 Appraise and adapt research evidence to specific social, cultural and economic contexts |
| 3.2 Use research evidence to advocate for patient safety |
| 3.3 Define goals and priorities for making health care safer |
| 3.4 Translate research evidence into policies and practices that reduce harm |
| 3.5 Partner with key stakeholders in overcoming barriers to change |
| 3.6 Promote standards and legal frameworks to improve safety |
| 3.7 Institutionalize changes to build supportive systems for safer care |
| 3.8 Apply financial information for knowledge translation |
| 3.9 Promote leadership, teaching and safety skills. |
