PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to provide education for physicians and nurses about medical errors.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of the program the participants will be able to:

• Apply the most up-to-date procedures for the prevention of medical errors
  
• Discuss the most up-to-date information on why medical errors occur
  
• Implement strategies suggested in the program to reduce medical errors
  

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Participating physicians will practice more effective techniques, leading to more effective care for patients and reduction in the likelihood of medical errors.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Each Preventing Medical Errors: A CME Update program includes: 48 page manual, Category 1 CME test, and program evaluation form.

MANUAL DESCRIPTION AND CONTENTS

Introduction
The Scope of the Problem - Human Loss
The Scope of the Problem - Monetary Loss
The Scope of the Problem - The Legal System
Civil Lawsuits

Types of Medical Errors and Prevention Techniques
Surgical Mishaps
Pre-operative
Post-operative
Anesthesia

Diagnostic Errors
Missed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis
Incorrect Treatment
Medication Error
Obstetrical Mishap

Equipment Malfunction/Misuse
Diagnosis
Treatment
Monitoring
Treatment
System Errors

The Importance of Personal Diligence
What to do When a Medical Error has Occurred
Learning from our Mistakes
Appendixes
Appendix A - 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors
Appendix B - CES-D Self-Report Depression Scale
Appendix C - Diabetes Management Flow Chart
CME Test
Answer Sheet
Evaluation Form

IMPLEMENTATION

The estimated time for completion of this program is 2 hours. In order to get the greatest value from this program, we recommend a four-step process.

1. Read the manual and test questions carefully.
   
2. Discuss the information covered with your staff or colleagues.
   
3. Return to your manual for a final review and review your test answers.
   
4. Complete and return the CME test answer sheet and course evaluation.
   

PROGRAM FACULTY

Aristotle Sophocles, MD, JD Practicing physician; Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; and attorney

Joyce Rouse, Creative Director, TIV, Inc.

PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE

Anita Dytuco, CMP Coordinator of Continuing Medical Education, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Kristine L’Ecuyer, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing Continuing Education, Saint Louis University School of Nursing

William Oakey, President, TIV, Inc.

John Andres, Production Manager, TIV, Inc.

FACULTY DISCLOSURE POLICY
It is the policy of Saint Louis University School of Medicine to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in its educational programs. Faculty participating in these activities are required to disclose to the audiences prior to the activity of the following:

1. The existence of any significant financial or other relationship with the manufacturer of any commercial product or provider of any commercial product discussed.
   
2. Their intention to discuss a product that is not labeled for the use under discussion.
   
3. Their intention to discuss preliminary research data.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine will this activities disclosures and resolve all identified conflicts of interest, if applicable.

VALIDATION OF CONTENT
Saint Louis University School of Medicine follows the ACCME policy on Validation of Content for CME activities which requires that:

• All recommendations involving clinical medicine must be based on evidence that is accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for their indications and contraindications in the care of patients.
• All scientific research referred to, reported or used in CME in support or justification of a patient care recommendation must conform to the generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection and analysis.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
The authors have no significant financial interest or other relationship with any manufacturers of commercial products mentioned in this course, and do not include discussion of unapproved uses of pharmaceuticals or preliminary research data.

ACCREDITATION AND CREDITS

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Saint Louis University School of Medicine and TIV, Inc. Saint Louis University School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

American Medical Association: Saint Louis University School of Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 2 hours in Category 1 credit towards the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit he/she actually spent in the educational activity.

American Osteopathic Association: This program is eligible for application for CME credits under Category 2B of the AOA’s CME program.

Nursing Contact Hours: This offering for 2.4 contact hours is sponsored by the Saint Louis University School of Nursing Continuing Education Program. Saint Louis University School of Nursing is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the Missouri Nurses Association, which is accredited as an approver of Continuing Education in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Missouri Nurses Association Provider # 103-V. Florida State Board Provider #2909. California State Board Provider #13123.