Certainly! Let’s delve into World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17. This day, established by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to raise awareness about patient safety and reduce avoidable harm in health and social care¹.
Understanding Patient Safety
Patient safety revolves around preventing unintended harm during care and treatment. WHO defines it as a framework of organized activities that consistently lower risks, reduce avoidable harm, and minimize the impact of errors¹. Shockingly, approximately one in ten patients experiences harm while receiving hospital care, with over 40% of these incidents being preventable¹.
The Urgency of Reducing Harm
Why prioritize reducing avoidable harm? Here are compelling reasons:
- Human Tragedy: Every avoidable death or disability is a needless tragedy for patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Financial Costs: Treating patients harmed during care consumes a significant portion of health spending—around 13% in high-income countries¹.
- Underestimated Impact: The figure of avoidable deaths is likely an underestimate, especially considering post-Covid pressures on healthcare systems¹.
Engaging Patients for Safety
This year’s theme, ‘Engaging patients for patient safety,’ emphasizes involving patients actively in their care. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and communication, we can collectively transform patient safety¹. Let’s work together to make healthcare safer for everyone! 🌟🏥🤝¹
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