Developing surgical and anesthesia resident patient safety competencies through systems-based event analysis. Guide to curricular development and evaluation of longer-term resident perceptions

Previous studies have demonstrated that residents participating in patient safety event investigations become more engaged in future patient safety activities. Currently, there is a gap in resident participation in patient safety event analyses. The objective was to develop and implement a sustainable, faculty-led curriculum for resident participation in patient safety event investigations and to evaluate resident perceptions of the training at least one year following completion of the training. One hundred sixty-five residents from three specialties participated in a formal RCA(2) training curriculum from 2013 to 2019. In November 2019, the same residents were asked to complete a survey which examined their perception of the training including the tools and techniques such as event mapping, cause-and-effect diagramming, and developing action plans for solving problems and unsafe conditions. The survey response rate was 36 % (60/165). Sixty-three percent (38/60) of the residents responding to the survey believed that RCA(2) training should be provided to all residents. Former residents rated the RCA(2) training tools and skills favorably, 3.6 median score (3.5–3.7, 95 % C.I.). Forty-eight percent of responding residents (29/60) believed that the previous RCA(2) training improved the way they identify and solve problems. The curriculum and faculty development program provides an effective intervention to address the current, identified gaps in patient safety in graduate medical education.