Background: Research and evidence based solutions are the key factors for the improvement of patient safety (PS). Scientific excellence in the field of specific methods and technics is needed for PS research. The PATSAFE project implemented in 2019-2022 was designed to strengthen and raise the PS research profile of the academic staff and early stage researchers (ESR) of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu (FMUT) in Estonia.

Objective: This project aimed to develop and implement the tailor-made training programme in PS research based on the needs of the academic staff of FMUT. 

Methods: The concept of the training programme based the core competencies for PS research: 1) fundamental concepts of PS, 2) designing and contacting the PS research, and 3) translating research evidence into practice. To support the research, a module of soft skills was developed. Based on the needs saasessment the learning goals were defined and the curriculum developed according to the following pronciples: 1) active involvement of participants in their own process of learning, 2) theories of adult learning, 3) reverse learning and teaching.

Results: Implementing the training program included face-to-face and online workshops, e-learnings, and webinars supported by the transnational teams of teachers. The training programme consisting of three modules including 13 courses was implemented between 2020-2022. All courses consisted of a basic (13-26 hours) and an advanced version (52-65 hours). By the end of the PATSAFE project, 82 participants received course certificates. 

As a result of the research training patient safety research strategy for the University of Tartu developed and approved and new research projects initiated: 1) Patient safety research priorities in Estonia – Delphi study, 2) International patient safety research priorities – Delphi study, 3) Validation of the instruments for the measurement of safety culture in Estonia, 4) Estonian adverse events study and development of Estonian Trigger Tool for Multimorbid Patients (MUPETT), 5) Assessment and development of patient safety competencies in nursing.

Currently, five PhD students doing their research on patient safety in the FMUT. Training in patient safety was initiated and implemented in under- and postgraduate level as well in continuous professional training in Estonia. Partners collaboration continues in a new EU funded Project consortium SAFEST (Improving quality and patient SAFEty in surgical care through STandardisation and harmonisation of perioperative care in Europe, Grant agreement No 101057825).

Conclusion: The implementation of the PS research training program has been successful. The training of academic staff has promoted the patient safety research at the University of Tartu, and implementation of patient safety training in Estonia.