To the Editor: In their article, Weller and colleagues describe how simulation can be used to reduce the underlying causes of adverse events.1 They point out that the Lucian Leape Institute is urging medical schools to take advantage of simulation to equip students with skills to protect patient safety.2 We are encouraged by this, and wish to share our experience of using simulation to improve patient safety, specifically to reduce medication incidents.
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- 1. Weller JM, Nestel D, Marshall SD, et al. Simulation in clinical teaching and learning. Med J Aust 2012; 196: 594.
- 2. Lucian Leape Institute. Unmet needs: teaching physicians to provide safe patient care. Boston: National Patient Safety Foundation, 2010. http://www.npsf.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/LLI-Unmet-Needs-Report.pdf (accessed Apr 2012).
- 3. Westbrook JI, Woods A, Rob MI, et al. Association of interruptions with an increased risk and severity of medication administration errors. Arch Intern Med 2010; 170: 683-690.
- 4. Nimmo G, Mitchell C. A preliminary audit of interruptions in intensive care: implications for patient safety. JICS 2008; 9: 240-242. http://journal.ics.ac.uk/pdf/0903240.pdf (accessed Aug 2012).
No relevant disclosures.