The silent crisis of patient safety is claiming millions of lives each year – shattering families and communities worldwide. Every year, around one in every 10 patients are harmed during healthcare practices, resulting in more than three million deaths annually due to unsafe care. In low- to middle-income countries, the crisis is even more severe, with as many as four in 100 people dying from unsafe medical practices1.
Even more concerning is that over 50% of this harm is preventable. Medication errors alone account for a significant portion of the harm that patients endure, while in primary and ambulatory settings, up to 80% of these incidents can be avoided. Beyond the human toll, patient harm also stifles global economic growth, amounting to trillions each year1.
World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on 17 September, serves as a crucial reminder of these stark realities and a rallying call for action. The day aims to shine a spotlight on the preventable nature of patient harm and galvanise global efforts to create safer healthcare systems.
Bada Pharasi, Chief Executive Officer at the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa (IPASA) emphasises that under the auspices of ‘Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety’, World Patient Safety Day 2024 underscores the urgent need for accurate and effective diagnosis in safeguarding patients.
“Strategic investments in patient safety, including patient engagement, can reduce harm by up to 15% and significantly improve patient outcomes1. These initiatives not only lead to fewer medical errors and enhanced diagnostic accuracy, but also cost savings for healthcare systems, many of which are already strained,” adds Pharasi.
Despite improvements in South Africa’s public healthcare system, with Patient Safety Incidents (PSI) reporting increasing from 34% in 2018 to 51% by the end of the 2020/2021 financial year2, significant challenges remain.
In response to these ongoing challenges, IPASA has partnered with Johannesburg-based non-profit organisation, Woodside Sanctuary, to host an educational workshop on World Patient Safety Day that aims to raise awareness, encourage meaningful dialogue, and promote collective action to tackle patient safety issues.
Woodside Sanctuary, established in 1955, has been providing specialised care for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities for 69 years. The facility offers holistic support, including 24-hour nursing care, various therapies, and tailored residential programmes to ensure the best possible support and care for each resident.
“Our initiative will feature a comprehensive visit to Woodside Sanctuary, where we will conduct an educational session for the staff. This will provide insights into the significance of our efforts and strategies for optimising patient care across physical, mental, and emotional dimensions. Following the session, participants will tour the facility to better understand the vital work being done and its positive impact on the community,” explains Pharasi.
This emphasis on education and training is a sentiment strongly supported by Kirsten Williams, General Manager at Woodside Sanctuary. Williams adds that essential components such as staff training, access to advanced technologies and equipment, family reunification where possible, patient-centred care, dedicated safety teams, supportive policies and procedures, and enhanced financial sustainability are crucial in improving patient care.
“Patient care is our top priority,” says Williams. “We advocate for those with profound intellectual disabilities and strive to raise awareness about the importance of patient safety. By commemorating World Patient Safety Day and sharing insights with other facilities, we aim to improve care for those who cannot speak for themselves.
“Equally important is empowering patients’ families to actively engage with the healthcare workers of their loved ones. When families of those with profound intellectual and physical disabilities are informed and involved in their care, they become crucial partners in enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare services,” she adds.
To mark World Patient Safety Day, it is essential to recognise the profound impact that robust patient safety practices can have on healthcare systems. Every patient deserves the highest level of care and safety, and it is the collective responsibility of the healthcare services industry to ensure that these standards are met and exceeded.
“By investing in education, training, and strategic patient safety measures, we have the power to uphold the dignity and well-being of every patient. This commitment not only transforms healthcare practices but also ensures a future in which every patient’s right to safe and compassionate care is respected and fulfilled. Together, we hold the key to creating a safer, more effective healthcare system for all,” concludes Pharasi.
