Master of Science in Patient Safety Leadership

University of Illinois Chicago

Patient safety is an issue at the forefront of healthcare today. In fact, a recent study suggests that in the U.S., medical error is the third most common cause of death [l]. As we eliminate error and reduce risk in our healthcare system, we directly improve care and reduce cost. The emerging field of Patient Safety is transforming healthcare for the 21st century.

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers the Master of Science in Patient Safety Leadership and a Graduate Certificate Program in Patient Safety, Error Science, and Full Disclosure. The Patient Safety Leadership (PSL) programs are designed to facilitate dynamic educational opportunities in a learner-centered environment for both clinical and nonclinical healthcare professionals who desire to become leaders in patient safety and the delivery of quality healthcare. PSL students study historical approaches to safety and quality care, as well as discover leading-edge quality improvement and risk-reduction strategies, among them health information technology and the concepts of full disclosure and just culture. Learners will benefit from the focus on interprofessional teamwork, simulation training, communication and collaboration, medical error science, organizational change, and healthcare leadership. Graduates of the program will have the skills to design, implement, and lead a broad range of patient safety activities that guide a healthcare organization towards a culture of safer healthcare practices across all healthcare delivery settings.