Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) Practice Exam

What is the best method to influence staff about the need for process changes in response to a medication error?

1. Reference accreditation standards and hospital policy as the need for change.

2. Present the story in conjunction with your own facility's data.

3. Develop a staff recognition program for reporting events.

4. Conduct a root cause analysis on a similar event.

The correct answer is: Present the story in conjunction with your own facility's data.

Presenting the story in conjunction with your own facility's data is the best method to influence staff regarding the need for process changes in response to a medication error. This approach effectively illustrates the real impact of the medication error within the specific context of the staff's environment. By using local data, you provide concrete evidence that the problem is not just theoretical but directly relevant to the daily operations of the staff. Furthermore, storytelling can engage staff emotionally, making them more likely to resonate with the information shared. It personalizes the issue, showing how it affects patients and potentially their own practice, which is more compelling than referencing external standards or policies that may seem distant or impersonal. This combination of personal narrative and relevant data fosters a more persuasive message, encouraging staff to actively engage in the necessary changes. This method can facilitate discussion and create a shared understanding of why the changes are not only essential but urgent, thereby promoting a culture of safety and encouraging staff to take ownership in reporting and addressing medication errors effectively.