Posted by : Admin|Date : 05 Apr, 2025|Location : Karamsad

National Consultation Convenes at BU to Integrate Patient Safety and Quality into Indian Medical Curriculum

Recognizing the critical need to embed patient safety and quality (PSQ) principles within medical training, Pramukhswami Medical College (PSMC) at Bhaikaka University successfully hosted a high-level National Consultation on April 4th and 5th, 2025. The intensive two-day event focused on "Integrating Patient Safety and Quality (with a component of interprofessional education) into the Medical Curriculum," bringing together a distinguished cohort of medical educators, clinicians, quality experts, administrators, and young scholars from across India and internationally.

The consultation aimed to address the urgent need for structured PSQ education for both undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate (MD/MS) medical students in India. Over the two days, participants engaged in interactive plenary sessions and focused breakout groups, covering five critical themes: the current state of PSQ in India; strategies for integrating PSQ competencies into MBBS and MD/MS curricula; effective teaching, learning, assessment, and the vital role of interprofessional education (IPE); robust faculty development frameworks; and strategies for acceptance, advocacy, implementation, and evaluation of PSQ education. The successful coordination and execution of this complex agenda were spearheaded by the dedicated organizing team from PSMC, including Dr. Himanshu Pandya (Dean), Dr. Monica Gupta (Associate Dean Clinical Excellence and Accreditation), Dr. Mustafa Ranapurwala (Assistant Dean, Clinical Excellence and Accreditation), and Mr. Sunil Joshi (In-charge Chief Nursing Officer).

Distinguished experts led these sessions. International perspectives were enriched by virtual contributions on the link between IPE and safety, simulation in PSQ education, and Interprofessional leadership.

Discussions drew upon national frameworks like the National Patient Safety Implementation Framework (NPSIF) and international guidelines such as the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan. Participants rigorously examined existing national standards (NQS, NABH) and benchmarked against other health professions' curricula, like the B.Sc. Nursing program, to identify transferable competencies. Key areas like clinical risk management, quality improvement engagement, infection prevention and control, medication safety, and safety during invasive procedures were thoroughly analysed to develop specific competencies for the Indian Medical Curriculum. The role of simulation, AI, effective assessment, and feedback mechanisms in PSQ education were also key discussion points.

"Integrating patient safety and quality principles from day one of medical training is no longer optional; it's a fundamental imperative for building a safer healthcare system in India," stated Dr. Himanshu Pandya. "This consultation brought together diverse, high-calibre expertise to collaboratively forge a clear path forward, developing actionable recommendations for curriculum reform and faculty empowerment."

The consultation culminated in a consensus-building session, drafting key recommendations and action points aimed at guiding other medical institutions, universities, and regulatory bodies like the National Medical Commission (NMC). The outcomes of this significant event are expected to catalyse nationwide efforts to systematically integrate PSQ and interprofessional education into medical training, ultimately contributing to enhanced healthcare quality and patient safety across India.