World Patient Safety Day: How To Create A Better Environment for Everyone?
World Patient Safety Day is observed annually on 17 September and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of patient safety. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, this global event focuses on preventing harm to patients in healthcare settings and improving healthcare quality. As we move into 2024, patient safety remains a critical issue that requires the engagement of healthcare providers, policymakers, patients, and communities alike.
What is the purpose of patient safety?
- Raise global awareness about the risks of unsafe healthcare practices, particularly medication errors.
- Promote immediate action to address patient safety concerns at all levels of healthcare.
- Engage stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patients, in efforts to reduce patient harm.
- Empower patients and families to take a proactive role in ensuring medication safety.
- Support the WHO’s Global Patient Safety Challenge, aiming to reduce medication-related harm worldwide.
What are medication errors?
Medication errors are among the most common and preventable sources of harm in healthcare. These errors can occur during medication prescribing, dispensing, or administration and during patient monitoring, such as in the case of PresVu eye drops. Globally, around 1 in 20 patients is affected by a preventable medication error, with many experiencing severe or life-threatening harm.
Key Stages of Medication-Related Harm
Medication-related harm accounts for over 50% of unnecessary harm in healthcare. Errors often occur at the following stages:
1. Prescribing errors: Mistakes in selecting the appropriate drug or dosage.
2. Administration errors: Errors when giving the medication, such as wrong timing or incorrect method.
3. Monitoring errors: Failure to monitor the patient's response to treatment, leading to preventable adverse effects.
How do we prevent medication errors?
Preventing medication errors requires a comprehensive approach, including:
- Education and training for healthcare professionals on best practices for prescribing, administering, and monitoring medication.
- Improved communication between healthcare providers and patients.
- Technology adoption, such as electronic prescribing systems, to minimise human errors.
- Patient involvement in understanding their medications, potential side effects, and when to seek medical help.
- Investing in innovation and technology, such as automated systems for drug administration.
- Allocating sufficient resources to ensure safe patient care practices.
- Patient education: Teaching patients about their medications, the risks involved, and when to consult a healthcare provider.
Roles and responsibilities in preventing medication errors
1. Healthcare Providers
- Stay informed about the latest guidelines and safety protocols in medication management.
- Engage in collaborative decision-making with patients, involving them in treatment plans.
- Share information on medication safety with colleagues and patients.
- Report medication errors to ensure lessons are learned and future risks minimised.
- Educate new healthcare staff on safe medication practices.
2. Patients and Families
- Maintain an updated list of all medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements) and share it with healthcare providers.
- Ask questions about prescribed medications, including their purpose, side effects, and correct usage.
- Follow instructions given by healthcare professionals regarding medication administration.
- Monitor medication expiration dates and store them safely.
- Seek medical advice if uncertain about any aspect of medication or if unexpected side effects occur.
What are some of the most common myths and facts about patient safety?
Myth | Fact |
| Patient harm only occurs in developing countries. | Patient safety is a global concern, and harm occurs in all healthcare systems, regardless of economic development |
| Patient harm is inevitable in healthcare | Most patient harm can be prevented with the right systems and precautions in place |
| Only healthcare professionals can prevent patient harm | Patients, families, and caregivers all play a crucial role in preventing patient harm by staying informed and involved in the care process |
FAQs on world patient safety day
1. How can patients contribute to their own safety?
Patients can play an active role in their healthcare by staying informed about their medications, asking questions, and communicating concerns with their healthcare providers. Keeping an updated list of medications and understanding potential side effects are crucial steps in avoiding medication errors.
2. What are the most common causes of patient harm in healthcare?
The most common causes of patient harm include medication errors, infections acquired in hospitals, surgical errors, and diagnostic mistakes. Many of these incidents are preventable with improved communication, education, and adherence to safety protocols.
3. How does the WHO’s Global Patient Safety Challenge aim to improve safety?
The WHO’s Global Patient Safety Challenge focuses on reducing medication-related harm through better education, improved communication, and technological innovations in healthcare. Its goal is to reduce the number of preventable patient harm incidents worldwide significantly.
4. What can healthcare providers do to reduce medication errors?
Healthcare providers can reduce medication errors by staying up-to-date with best practices, using technology like electronic prescribing systems, engaging patients in decision-making, and ensuring clear communication among the healthcare team.
5. How does technology help in preventing medication errors?
Technology plays a vital role in reducing human errors in medication prescribing, dispensing, and administration. Systems like electronic prescribing and automated drug delivery can help minimise risks and ensure the correct medication is given to the right patient at the right time.
Final Thoughts
World Patient Safety Day is an opportunity to raise public awareness about medication errors and patient harm, encouraging everyone to play a part in creating safer healthcare systems. Fostering understanding between patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers could help lead to a future where patient harm is minimised, and the quality of care is enhanced globally.
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general knowledge. It is important to remember that it should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a healthcare provider.
