Every hospital needs to be concerned with improving patient safety and medical errors. Institutions have to create such a culture of safety in which all staff from administrators to frontline workers participate. An environment where it’s transparent and we openly discuss our mistakes without fear, so people are accountable and have to keep learning and improving.
Standardizing processes across departments can cut variability in care delivery by a dramatic amount. It should be one or two questions, these should be evidence based protocols for common procedures and every staff member should use the same steps. It makes things consistent, so there are less errors as a result of failed communication or straying from best practices. One particular useful tool in the clinical setting are clinical checklists that reinforce safe habits.
Technology is also critical to increase patient safety. Electronic health records, computerized physician order entry and barcode medication administration all reduce human error and guarantee documentation accuracy. Clinical workflow integration of automated alerts and reminders allows hospitals to catch potential errors prior to reaching the patient and promoting safety in general.
Training and competency assessments are necessary in continuous format. Health facilities should commit to participants in frequent simulations, workshops and drills that put staff to task ready to respond to emergencies and unpredicted scenarios. By giving staff up to date knowledge, staff are in a position to give safe care irrespective of being under pressure or unexpected complications.
Ultimately, patients and their families play a critical role in protecting themselves and engaging them in the care process is the last step in that process. Having patients participate in their care by being informed and encouraged to ask questions or to report any discrepancy helps a great deal. Strong communication between caregivers and patients in hospitals not only creates safer care, but patients also gain trust and improved outcomes as well as an overall increased feeling of satisfaction.
Conclusion
Hospitals can do a lot to improve patient safety and include fostering a safety first culture, standardization of procedures, investing in technology and instituting staff training and involving patients in their own care. When used in combined presence, these strategies enable a self enforcing system with negligible error and accountability. Safety is not negotiable — nor should it be: The investments we make in safety will enable us to produce high quality, reliable health care every day.
