This week is designated as Patient Safety Awareness Week. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is the lead sponsor of the event, which is focused on two critical issues this year – safety culture and patient engagement.
Despite progress in patient safety over the years, studies show that medical error and preventable harm remain major sources of injury and death among patients. A recent national survey conducted by IHI and other partners found that one in five people reportedly experienced a medical error in their own care and one in three reported an error in the care of a close relative or friend. They found that even health professionals sometimes fear speaking up due to the culture of the organization in which they work.
During this time, SDAHO joins together with our membership to recognize the outstanding contributions of the skilled and dedicated health care professionals who work to ensure patients continue to receive the highest level of safe, quality care.
For more information, read Leading a Culture of Safety: A Blueprint for Success, which offers strategies and tactics for leaders at every level to create and sustain a safety culture. Also available is the IHI white paper: A Framework for Safe, Reliable, Effective Care.
