he Training section provides access to a variety of MERS-TM learning options.

The online tutorial is a web-based course that lays the foundation for using MERS-TM.

Together with the online tutorial, the QA SysOp Self-Instructional Practice Kit provides the core training for QA Systems Operators (referred to in MERS-TM as QA SysOps). The practice kit will build on the web-based tutorial by providing hands-on practice with cases, coding, filling out forms, and building causal trees.

The classroom courses are being designed for local use at participating MERS-TM sites. They will provide internal training materials for individuals at various levels who are called upon to use the system. (The QA SysOp Classroom training can be substituted for the Self-Instructional Practice Kit in organizations for whom the classroom format is applicable.)

In addition, the MERS-TM Reference Manual provides a thorough overview of the system and can be viewed online or printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

for additional information.

Go to MERS-TM Online Tutorial

About the MERS-TM Online Tutorial

QA SysOp Self-Instructional Practice Kit

Three levels of classroom-based training —
available in late 2002

Read about each level:

• QA Sysop Training

• Management Training

• Staff Training

MERS-TM Online Tutorial

Go to the MERS-TM Online Tutorial now.

This web-based tutorial provides foundational information necessary for working with MERS-TM. Included are essential terms and concepts, an overview of the MERS-TM process, and an introduction to associated forms and tools. Three modules contain the following 10 lessons:

Module 1: Study of Errors

• Errors in Medicine
• Types of Errors
• Example of the Titanic

Module 2: Event Reporting

• Event Types & Causes
• The Punitive Culture
• The Just Culture
• Reporting Systems

Module 3: MERS-TM

• History of MERS-TM
• Process Overview
• Implementation Issues

The tutorial, which may be accessed at your convenience, is designed to be experienced in either multiple sessions or one at the time. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete. For first-time users, it is recommended to go through the three modules in order; however the lessons also stand alone as reference or review.

For the QA SysOps, the follow-up is the QA SysOp Self-Instructional Practice Kit. The kit provides hands-on practice with cases, coding, filling out forms, and building causal trees.

Go to the MERS-TM Online Tutorial.

Back to top

QA SysOp Self-Instructional Practice Kit

Together with the Online Tutorial, the QA SysOp Self-Instructional Practice Kit provides the core training for QA Systems Operators (referred to in MERS-TM as QA SysOps).

The practice kit builds on the web-based tutorial by provicing hands-on practice with realistic cases. Working through these cases, you will be asked to fill out forms, code events, build causal trees, and code root causes.

Prerequisites:
Before you begin...

1. Complete the MERS-TM Online Tutorial (Go to MERS-TM Online Tutorial)
2. Get copies of two code lists necessary for coding events and root causes. (Printable code lists available under Support Material on the MERS-TM web site.) (Go to Event Codes for Transfusion Medicine ,pdf file. Go to Event Codes for Root Causes , pdf file)
3. Get a copy of the RAI tool, pdf file, from the MERS-TM web site also under Support Materials.

Each case in available in printable PDF format. All worksheets required to complete the cases are included. Case 2 will provide a separate printable file containing an answer key.

Learning Objectives — demonstrate the ability to:

• complete all reporting forms (Event Discovery Report, QA SysOp Investigation Report, Root Cause Analysis Report)
• identify events by type (misadventures, no-harm, near miss event)
• assign event codes
• perform root cause analysis (construct causal tree)
• assign root causal codes
• calculate a risk assessment index (RAI)

Back to top

QA SysOp Classroom Training:

(Available in late 2002)

This downloadable package will contain material for a 6-hour leader-led class targeting staff members, usually with backgrounds as technicians/technologists, who are dedicated to QA activities. This can be used in lieu of the QA SysOp Self-Instructional Practice Kit for organizations needing to train multiple people in a classroom setting.

Prerequisite: MERS-TM Online Tutorial

Material to be provided:

• Leader's Guide containing content presentation outline, glossary of terms, and delivery guidelines
• Microsoft PowerPoint slides
• Classroom handouts (e.g., job aids, illustrations/examples, and activities)

Learning Objectives — demonstrate the ability to:

• Explain the need for and merits of an event reporting system
• Perform all of the MERS-TM process steps accurately and efficiently, This includes the following:
  • completing all reporting forms
  • recognizing active and latent errors
  • identifying events by type
  • performing root cause analyses
  • assigning event and causal codes
  • calculating a risk assessment index
  • analyze data using report and query functions
• Explain the characteristics of a "just culture" and describe the role of an effective QA SysOp in a just culture
• Identify the possible barriers to implementation and methods to overcome these barriers

Back to top     

Management Classroom Training

(Available in late 2002)

This downloadable package will contain materials for a 2-hour leader-led class targeting those who have management and supervisory positions within transfusion medicine.

Material to be provided:

• Leader's Guide containing content presentation outline, glossary of terms, and delivery guidelines
• Microsoft PowerPoint slides
• Classroom handouts (e.g., job aids, illustrations/examples, and activities, as applicable)

Learning Objectives — demonstrate the ability to:

• Explain the need for and merits of an event reporting system
• Describe the MERS-TM process steps including Detection, Selection, Investigation, Description and Classification, Computation, and Interpretation. This includes a high-level explanation of all forms and job aids related to the process.
• Accurately complete the appropriate reporting form(s)
• Explain the characteristics of a "just culture"
• Describe the role of an effective manager or supervisor in a "just culture"
• Identify potential barriers to the successful implementation of MERS-TM

Back to top

Staff Classroom Training

(Available in late 2002)

This downloadable package will contain materials for a 1-hour leader-led class for all general staff including technicians, technologists, clerical staff, and lab aides.

Material to be provided:

• Leader's Guide containing content presentation outline, glossary of terms, and delivery guidelines
• Microsoft PowerPoint slides
• Classroom handouts (e.g., job aids, illustrations/examples, and activities, as applicable)

Learning Objectives — Demonstrate the ability to:

• Explain the need for and merits of an event reporting system
• Recognize the characteristics of a non-punitive reporting system and culture
• Recognize an event that needs to be reported
• Accurately complete the appropriate reporting form(s)
• Describe the types of information that should be communicated in an event investigation
• Explain the purpose of an event investigation

Back to top

About MERS-TM | Training | Support / Materials | Database Functions | Articles/Links | How Do I Start? | Glossary
Site Index | Security/Privacy Policy | | Home