Patient Safety Science and the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

8:30-8:40 Welcome and Session Objectives

1. Introduction

2. Outline of learning objectives

8:40-8:55 Overview of Patient Safety Science

1.  Define patient safety science (e.g., avoiding errors, harm prevention).

2. Discuss foundational principles (e.g., human factors, systems thinking, culture of safety).

3.  Provide examples relevant to healthcare (e.g., communication breakdowns, risk mitigation).

8:55 PM – 9:15 PM: Role of SLPs in Patient Safety

1.  Key areas where SLPs influence safety:

2. Dysphagia management.

3. Communication strategies (e.g., improving care team collaboration).

4.  Documentation accuracy and its role in safety protocols.

5.  Case studies or anecdotes highlighting SLP contributions.

9:15 PM – 9:45 PM: Practical Implementation Strategies

1. Explain actionable tools for SLPs:

2. Safety huddles and team briefings.

3. Checklists for swallow screenings or communication assessments.

4. Participating in root cause analysis (RCA) after incidents.

5. Demonstration or discussion of practical tools (e.g., flowcharts, safety checklists).

9:45 PM – 10:00 PM: Interactive Scenario-Based Discussion

1. Present a patient safety scenario (e.g., miscommunication leading to feeding protocol errors).

2. Group discussion to identify safety risks and solutions.

3. Share participant ideas and link them to patient safety strategies.

10:00 PM – 10:15 PM: Q&A

1.  Open floor for participant questions.

2. Encourage shared experiences and peer learning. (use of tools provided)

10:15 PM – 10:30 PM: Summary and Evaluation

1.  Recap key takeaways.

2. Provide resources for further learning (e.g., ASHA patient safety tools, hospital safety guidelines).

Laura McWilliams, MS CCC-SLP, BCS-S, Harvard SQIL Certificate Holder is a community healthcare leader focused on fostering cultures of continuous quality improvement. Board Certified Swallowing Specialist with interests in safety, quality, informatics and the intersection of leadership. Currently the lead program developer for a Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Program. Independent consultant and public speaker for which I do receive compensation. Co-leading ASHA Member Advisory Group for Patient Safety and Quality. Partnering to develop a non-profit in disaster relief work.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:

• Salary from HCA

• Independent consultant, Laura McWilliams LLC

• Receiving an honorarium for this content, and supporting items.

NON-FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:

1. Co-leading ASHA Member Advisory Group for Patient Safety and Quality.

2. Partnering to develop a non-profit in disaster relief work, no lea

Can I get ASHA CEUS for this Course?

To successfully complete this course, participants must meet the following requirements: Achieve a minimum score of 80 on the course quiz, complete all questions on the quiz, and submit the quiz within 14 days of taking the course

What is the Refund/Cancellation Policy?  

Click here to view our policy:  https://medslpcollective.com/cancellation-of-courses-and-events/

What can I do if I have a complaint?  

Please contact us at info@medslpcollective.com

Who is this course appropriate for?  

The target audience for this course is licensed speech-language pathologists. There are no prerequisite skills or knowledge needed beyond the basic speech-language pathology training and licensing.

What if I need special accommodations?  

If you require accommodations to access these materials due to a disability, please email us at info@medslpcollective.com