The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) hosts Patient Safety Awareness Week in March to inspire action to improve the safety of the health care system for both patients and providers.
Medical Harm Impacts Millions of Patients Worldwide
Medical harm is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 134 million adverse events happen annually because of unsafe care in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries.
Studies have suggested that as many as 400,000 deaths occur each year in the United States due to errors or preventable harm. Errors or preventable harm that doesn’t result in a fatality can cause long-term impact on a patient’s health.
Addressing Patient Safety
Although most health care provided in the United States is high quality, efforts to improve patient safety have been ongoing as technologies and treatments continue to evolve. Creating the systems and conditions to support safe care is important for both patients and providers.
IHI recommends addressing patient safety within a public health framework. The central idea is that shifting to a coordinated system-wide effort can help improve patient safety and care throughout the United States.
Here are the five steps IHI recommends:
1) Define the problem and set national goals
2) Coordinate activities across multiple sectors to ensure widespread adoption and evaluation
3) Inform, educate, and empower the community
4) Effectively measure and monitor progress at all levels
5) Identify causes and interventions that work
IHI is also addressing issues healthcare workers face, such as workplace violence and the importance of maintaining a safe work environment for the healthcare workforce.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
