Seven students from the National School of Public Health at NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA NSPH) participated in the second edition of BIP PROTECT, an international initiative promoted under the ERASMUS+ – Blended Intensive Program (BIP). The course took place from 1 to 5 September at Wiesbaden Business School, Hochschule RheinMain (Germany), with preparatory online activities carried out between July and August.
The in-person component was organised in partnership by Business School, Hochschule RheinMain (Germany), Miguel Hernández University (Spain), LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland), NOVA NSPH (Portugal) and Università del Piemonte Orientale (Italy), bringing together students from various fields (health, management, and economics) from Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Finland.
Under the theme “Clinical Risk Management & Patient Safety: Insights and Applications”, the programme combined theoretical and practical sessions, including:
- Interactive workshops on risk analysis techniques, such as Ishikawa diagrams, FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), and RCA (Root Cause Analysis);
- Case studies and simulations based on methodologies such as the London Protocol;
- Expert lectures with academics and leading professionals in patient safety and quality management;
- Thematic sessions on current topics, such as:
- Patient safety in conflict zones (Hochschule RheinMain);
- The “Second Victim” concept and the emotional impact on healthcare professionals after adverse events (Jose Mira Solves, Miguel Hernández University);
- WHO strategy for the decade – “Global Action for Patient Safety 2021-2030” (Paulo Sousa, NOVA NSPH);
- Effective communication during crises (Reinhard Strametz and Susanna Tella).
The experience allowed students to consolidate fundamental knowledge on healthcare quality principles, understood through Donabedian’s framework of structure, process, and outcomes, as well as the importance of cultivating a safety culture based on continuous improvement. International patient safety objectives were also explored, including correct patient identification, effective communication, safe surgical procedures, and the prevention of infections and falls.
In parallel, the programme highlighted the need to integrate clinical risk management proactively and preventively into healthcare services, as well as the importance of organisational resilience, supported by business continuity plans capable of responding effectively to emergencies or crises.
Beyond the academic component, the event provided opportunities for international networking and cultural exchange, reinforcing the importance of European collaboration in promoting safer and more resilient healthcare systems.
The Summer School emphasised the relevance of an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to patient safety, highlighting the role of higher education institutions in equipping future professionals to tackle the challenges of healthcare quality and contribute to more reliable, equitable, and sustainable systems.
