Interdisciplinary Simulation-Based Education Curriculums on Patient Rights: For the Safety of Healthcare Professionals and Patients

Abstract

Abstract In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published the document “Charter: Health Worker Safety: a Priority for Patient Safety”, which emphasised the importance of enhancing health worker safety to improve patient safety. The significance of patient safety remains undiminished, as evidenced by the recent WHO document, “Patient Safety Rights Charter” (2024), which encompasses critical aspects of patient rights. It must be acknowledged that patient safety is intricately linked to the domain of patient rights, which in turn underpins that healthcare professionals require interdisciplinary competence to effectively fulfil their professional duties and provide comprehensive patient care. However, it is essential to accurately determine and justify the specific knowledge and skills from other fields that are necessary for healthcare professionals. And furthermore, it is crucial for healthcare specialists not only to acquire knowledge, but also to develop the ability to apply and integrate this knowledge into professional practice – participation in interdisciplinary clinical simulations that incorporate aspects of patient rights enables learners to develop the ability to think and act in clinical situations according to generally accepted algorithms and evidence-based practices, while also considering the legal aspects of patients’ rights. The study was carried out at the Medical Education Technology Centre, Rīga Stradiņš University, between 2023 and 2024, involving 107 residents from different specialties. The survey results reflect a strong interest and positive attitude towards interdisciplinary simulation-based training on patient rights. Participants emphasised its significance and value in enhancing resident education, highlighting the need for its continued and expanded implementation.