World Patient Safety Day: A Call to Action for Everyone

Date published: September 17, 2024

Today, on World Patient Safety Day, we unite to highlight a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare—patient safety. This year, I want to spotlight a Call to Action that each of us can undertake to significantly enhance the safety of our healthcare system.

Understanding the Importance of Patient Safety

Patient safety is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. It involves preventing errors and adverse effects associated with healthcare delivery. Alarmingly, the World Health Organization reports that 1 in 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care. This startling statistic highlights the urgent need for robust patient safety protocols.

Why Awareness and Urgency Are Needed

The need for awareness and urgency in patient safety cannot be overstated. By understanding the risks and implementing effective safety measures, we can protect patients and improve healthcare outcomes. Everyone, from healthcare professionals to patients and their families, plays a vital role in this effort.

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

has released a report titled "A Transformational Effort on Patient Safety," which outlines recommendations to improve patient safety in the United States. The report emphasizes the need for federal leadership, evidence-based practices, patient partnerships, and accelerated research in patient safety.

In their recent report, "A Transformational Effort on Patient Safety," PCAST outlines several recommendations to improve patient safety:

Implementing a Whole of Society Approach

Engaging all relevant federal agencies, committees, and advisory groups to establish policies, structures, budgets, and training for diversifying input on patient safety performance.

Establishing a Multidisciplinary National Patient Safety Team (NPST)

This team would operate independently, issuing safety recommendations that support system-wide improvements.

Accelerating Research and Deployment of Safety Practices

Promoting the development and deployment of new technologies and evidentiary foundations for safer healthcare.

For more information about PCAST and their efforts in patient safety, visit PCAST's website.

To support these efforts, you can write a letter to President Biden urging him to sign and implement these recommendations before leaving office. This action can help ensure that patient safety remains a national priority, and that the healthcare system continues to improve for all Americans.

White House: Attn: PCAST

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Today, I urge you to take a simple yet impactful step towards improving patient safety. Whether it's advocating for better safety standards, educating yourself and others about patient safety practices, or supporting policies that prioritize patient well-being, your actions can make a difference.

Let's work together to create a safer healthcare environment for all. Join me in this important mission and make patient safety a priority today and every day.

For more insights and resources, visit Dr. Julie Siemers' website.

World Patient Safety Day: A Call to Action for Everyone

Date published: September 17, 2024

Today, on World Patient Safety Day, we unite to highlight a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare—patient safety. This year, I want to spotlight a Call to Action that each of us can undertake to significantly enhance the safety of our healthcare system.

Understanding the Importance of Patient Safety

Patient safety is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. It involves preventing errors and adverse effects associated with healthcare delivery. Alarmingly, the World Health Organization reports that 1 in 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care. This startling statistic highlights the urgent need for robust patient safety protocols.

Why Awareness and Urgency Are Needed

The need for awareness and urgency in patient safety cannot be overstated. By understanding the risks and implementing effective safety measures, we can protect patients and improve healthcare outcomes. Everyone, from healthcare professionals to patients and their families, plays a vital role in this effort.

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

has released a report titled "A Transformational Effort on Patient Safety," which outlines recommendations to improve patient safety in the United States. The report emphasizes the need for federal leadership, evidence-based practices, patient partnerships, and accelerated research in patient safety.

In their recent report, "A Transformational Effort on Patient Safety," PCAST outlines several recommendations to improve patient safety:

Implementing a Whole of Society Approach

Engaging all relevant federal agencies, committees, and advisory groups to establish policies, structures, budgets, and training for diversifying input on patient safety performance.

Establishing a Multidisciplinary National Patient Safety Team (NPST)

This team would operate independently, issuing safety recommendations that support system-wide improvements.

Accelerating Research and Deployment of Safety Practices

Promoting the development and deployment of new technologies and evidentiary foundations for safer healthcare.

For more information about PCAST and their efforts in patient safety, visit PCAST's website.

To support these efforts, you can write a letter to President Biden urging him to sign and implement these recommendations before leaving office. This action can help ensure that patient safety remains a national priority, and that the healthcare system continues to improve for all Americans.

White House: Attn: PCAST

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Today, I urge you to take a simple yet impactful step towards improving patient safety. Whether it's advocating for better safety standards, educating yourself and others about patient safety practices, or supporting policies that prioritize patient well-being, your actions can make a difference.

Let's work together to create a safer healthcare environment for all. Join me in this important mission and make patient safety a priority today and every day.

For more insights and resources, visit Dr. Julie Siemers' website.