Using Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment to Develop a Patient Safety Curriculum for Surgical Residents

Objective The objective is to use qualitative and quantitative analysis to develop a patient safety curriculum for surgical residents. Design A prospective study of surgical residents using both quantitative and qualitative methods to craft a patient safety curriculum. Both a survey and focus groups were held before and 4 months after delivery of the patient safety curriculum. Setting The University of New Mexico Hospital, a tertiary academic medical center. Participants General surgery residents, postgraduate years 1 to 5 Results Qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed areas that required attention and thus helped to mold the curriculum. Qualitative analysis after delivery of the curriculum showed positive changes in attitudes and normative beliefs toward patient safety. Specifically, attitudes and approach to quality improvement and teamwork showed improvement. Survey analysis did not show any significant change in resident perception of the environment during the time frame of this study. Conclusions Using qualitative analysis to uncover attitudinal barriers to a safe patient environment can help to enhance the relevance and content of a patient safety curriculum for general surgery residents.