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Course Description

Course Number 20-650613

RT Course Link: Prevention of Medical Errors for Respiratory Therapists

    Studies suggest that the third leading cause of death in the United States is medical errors. Health care professionals need to know: the factors that impact the occurrence of medical errors; which processes improve patient outcomes; responsibilities for reporting; the safety needs of special populations; what types of public education improve patient safety; and be able to recognize situations which are prone to medical errors. This conversational “frequently asked questions” style course provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about medical errors and how to prevent them from occurring. This course satisfies course requirements under 64B9-5.011, F.A.C., and requirements under 456.031, Fla. Stat.

  • Course Category | Safety

  • Original Activity Release Date | 12/17/2018

  • Date of Most Recent Review | 12/15/2021

  • Next Review / Course Termination Date | 12/14/2024

Educational Goals & Learning Outcomes

     The goal of this course is to discuss up-to-date information on the prevention of medical errors, illustrate the mechanisms by which medical errors occur, and identify various processes which can be used to reduce medical errors, improve patient outcomes and increase patient safety. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate factors that impact the occurrence of medical errors

  • Recognize error prone situations

  • Manage conditions associated with medical errors

  • Employ processes to improve patient outcomes

  • Interpret responsibilities for reporting

  • Evaluate safety needs of special populations

  • Support public education to improve patient safety

About the Course Author(s)

Darren C. Leach, MSN, APRN, NP-C

     Darren C. Leach is a nurse practitioner and author. He is licensed as an APRN by the State of Florida and Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. His professional experience ranges across the lifespan from infants to the elderly with positions in adult internal and emergency care, pediatric internal and emergency care, pediatric and neonatal intensive care as well as endocrinology and nephrology. He has also provided education to nurses, patients, and families in a variety of formats and settings. He received his Baccalaureate of Science degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2005, and his Masters of Science degree in Family Health Nursing in 2010. Mr. Leach has authored numerous courses, including many for MedCEC. To view Mr. Leach's full bio click here.

Course Curriculum