The pilot session of a new open disclosure training program has taken place on the Sunshine Coast.
Over the last several months, our Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Service (PSQIS) has been busy developing a revitalised, standardised, evidence-based statewide open disclosure training program, with 16 eager Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service clinicians participating in the pilot session.
Open disclosure refers to the open discussion of incidents that have resulted in harm to a patient receiving healthcare and is a key component of clinical incident management. The focus of open disclosure is primarily to assist affected patients and families and clinicians with the grief associated with an adverse event.
Project Lead for the open disclosure pilot, Dr Frances Dark, said the training helps develop a positive culture. "Queensland Health is committed to high quality health services in a culture of compassionate care."
"The PSQIS has developed a training program that enables staff to communicate in the most challenging situations - following an adverse event. It was wonderful to work with the staff of the Sunshine Coast service."
The open disclosure simulation training was facilitated by open disclosure faculty members and made all the more 'real' thanks to three professional actors from the Queensland University of Technology Creative Industries faculty.
Evaluation of the two-day onsite simulation training model pilot demonstrated very positive outcomes, with all 16 clinicians reporting they felt confident in advocating for open disclosure in their organisation, and felt able to support colleagues to undertake formal open disclosure.
