RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has launched a new free-to-access online CPD course, Just and Learning Culture in Healthcare Contexts.

The programme is designed for clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals at all levels who want to strengthen patient safety through open reporting and supportive cultures.

A ‘just and learning culture’ is defined as one where staff feel safe to speak up and reflect on mistakes without fear of blame, while maintaining forward-looking accountability.

Research conducted at RCSI highlights that, in blame-heavy environments, healthcare professionals involved in incidents often experience significant fear and isolation which can silence staff and limit the system-level changes needed to improve patient safety.

Delivered by the RCSI Graduate School of Healthcare Management and developed with support from NDTP Development Funding, the new course aims to shift healthcare environments away from a focus on individual blame and toward a constructive, system-based approach to incidents and errors.

Led by Dr Kristina Brown, Just and Learning Culture in Healthcare Contexts is structured across three engaging sections, designed to move from understanding the problem to applying practical solutions in real-world settings.

Participants explore the difference between blame-driven responses and non-punitive, learning-focused approaches to incidents. They develop a clear understanding of human and system factors, the barriers that prevent open reporting, and the conditions needed to foster psychological safety. Through realistic scenarios and guided reflection, learners gain practical tools to support patients, colleagues, and organisations when incidents occur.

Dr Kristina Brown, course leader, said: “Despite national policy commitments to openness and patient safety, there remains variability in how just culture principles are understood and applied across organisations. In some settings, fear of blame, reputational damage, or professional consequences can discourage healthcare professionals from speaking up or reporting concerns. This can limit learning, reduce transparency, and negatively impact both staff well-being and patient safety.”

Sara McDonnell, Head of RCSI Online, said: “Building a just and learning culture is fundamental to improving patient safety. This programme reflects RCSI’s commitment to making high-quality, relevant learning accessible to healthcare professionals globally, alongside our existing free suites in AI and Sustainability in Healthcare.”

Enrolment is now open for the Just and Learning Culture in Healthcare Contexts programme.