Mountain Pacific Blog

Within the complex systems of health care, patient safety is a primary concern. During National Health Care Quality Week this week, we are focusing on how health care systems can reduce risks and errors and how all of us can help improve patient safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), patient safety requires clear policies, leadership support, skilled health care professionals and the involvement of patients in their care.

Looking at Systems, not People

Hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities are managed by humans. Providers do not want to harm the patients and residents in their care. However, expecting a flawless performance from them in such a high-stress environment is not always practical. To prevent or fix human mistakes, we must focus on systems. For example, during the height of the pandemic, providers worked beyond their regular shifts because of so many patients needing care. Tired, burned-out health care workers lead to patient safety risks. As we face a health care workforce shortage, how can we make sure providers who stayed in the health care industry are getting the support they need, and patients are getting the safest care possible?

Providing Help and Support

Outside resources such as Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs) can be vital in supporting health care systems. Patient Safety Organizations collect and analyze data from health care providers to improve patient safety and health care quality. That outside perspective helps health care facilities see problems they may not see on their own.

The World Health Organization focuses on some key areas to improve patient safety. Their efforts work to enhance the patient experience, reduce risks and harm and achieve better health outcomes at lower costs. WHO’s key areas of improvement include:

• Setting global priorities for action
• Developing guidelines and tools
• Engaging patients and families for safer health care
• Monitoring improvements in patient safety
• Conducting research

So how can patients help?

We all play a role in patient safety, and you can help protect yourself and others from harm, sickness or other patient safety concerns. Here are a few tips on how to practice patient safety.

• Advocate for yourself. Ask your doctor, nurse of pharmacist any questions you have about your medications or your care. Be informed about and involved in decisions about your health. Make sure you understand why a provider is recommending a certain treatment or prescribing a certain medicine. Take notes or bring someone along who can help you remember what you learned about your care, your treatment plans or your medications.
• Protect yourself from contagious illnesses. Wash your hands several times during the day. Wear a mask when necessary. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow.

If you are in a hospital or nursing home, or if you are at an appointment with your provider, watch to make sure anyone who touches you washes their hands first. If you do not see them wash their hands or apply hand sanitizer, ask them to do so.

• Safely use your medications. Take your medicine only as prescribed and visit with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about side effects and proper usage. If you take multiple medications, make sure your doctor knows everything you are taking, including supplements or over-the-counter medications.
• Get access to your health data. Many providers, clinics and other facilities have patient portals. Sign up and use your patient portal to make or check appointments, get test results and better understand your health. If your provider does not have a patient portal, ask for printouts or brochures about your care, so you can review your treatment plan whenever you want to.

While improving health systems for providers is an important step in patient safety, you are a patient safety partner, too! Advocating for yourself and being an informed member of your health care team is an important part of better health and safer care.