Hello,
I am interested in putting together a policy that allows paramedics that self-report medication errors to be immune from disciplinary action by their employer.
A few questions:
1) Does your agency have a written policy regarding this concept?
2) Do readers of this post believe that this is a good policy to have? What if the error leads to grave harm or death, should the paramedic still be immune from employer discipline?
3) Is putting the paramedic on a required improvement or education plan because of a medication error considered a form of discipline, or one of education?
4) Even if self-reporting, how about a paramedic that continues to make errors?
Perhaps sentinel events and continuing errors (by one individual) are handled by the county or state, leaving a provider policy to be true to its non-disiplinary policy, but allowing for a greater authority to step in when a truly problem-paramedic is recognized?
In nursing there is a concept called "Patient Safety and the Just Culture" that seems to support non-disiplinary action for self-reported errors in order to benefit employees and patients by strengthening the system as a whole. I like the idea and concept but wanted to solicit opinions. The ultimate goal of this policy would be to improve paramedic performance and increase patient safety.
I have looked at the County of Ventura's policy, but that is seemingly for an EMS Authority, not a provider agency. I believe it is a good starting point. Unfortunately I cannot post a link because I am a new poster here, but if you Google "medication error reporting no discipline policy" the second result is Ventura's.
I look forward to any responses.
Thanks,
TC
I am interested in putting together a policy that allows paramedics that self-report medication errors to be immune from disciplinary action by their employer.
A few questions:
1) Does your agency have a written policy regarding this concept?
2) Do readers of this post believe that this is a good policy to have? What if the error leads to grave harm or death, should the paramedic still be immune from employer discipline?
3) Is putting the paramedic on a required improvement or education plan because of a medication error considered a form of discipline, or one of education?
4) Even if self-reporting, how about a paramedic that continues to make errors?
Perhaps sentinel events and continuing errors (by one individual) are handled by the county or state, leaving a provider policy to be true to its non-disiplinary policy, but allowing for a greater authority to step in when a truly problem-paramedic is recognized?
In nursing there is a concept called "Patient Safety and the Just Culture" that seems to support non-disiplinary action for self-reported errors in order to benefit employees and patients by strengthening the system as a whole. I like the idea and concept but wanted to solicit opinions. The ultimate goal of this policy would be to improve paramedic performance and increase patient safety.
I have looked at the County of Ventura's policy, but that is seemingly for an EMS Authority, not a provider agency. I believe it is a good starting point. Unfortunately I cannot post a link because I am a new poster here, but if you Google "medication error reporting no discipline policy" the second result is Ventura's.
I look forward to any responses.
Thanks,
TC