Theme: “Improving diagnosis for patient safety”.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Globally, 134 million patients are harmed by unsafe care every year. Tragically, patient safety incidents claim 2.6 million lives annually. Nigeria sees 1 in 5 patients experiencing harm during healthcare. As of 2023, experts estimate that up to 250,000 persons die annually in Nigeria due to medical errors. Research has shown that patient harm potentially reduces global economic growth by 0.7%.
These numbers drive our mission to prioritize patient safety. Patient safety is a critical aspect of healthcare, requiring ongoing attention and effort. By prioritizing patient safety, healthcare organizations can reduce harm, improve outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of care.
The World Patients Safety Day (WPSD) held on September 17, 2024, calls for global solidarity and concerted actions to bring together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, healthcare leaders and policy-makers to show their commitment to patient safety.
In commemoration of this day, we organized a sensitization outreach to the community hospital Nibo Awka South, Anambra State. The outreach created awareness of the importance of patient safety and ways to achieve it. The outreach took place at the maternity wing and the main hospital. We recorded in attendance over 50 people including patients and service providers among whom there was 1 Person with Disability (PWD). The Patients’ Bill of Rights was used to admonish patients of their rights and responsibilities and remind service providers of their responsibilities in ensuring patients’ safety.
Feedback after the session illuminated the impact of the training on both patients and their service providers. They testified to new learnings and informed us that they would take all measures to ensure safety. A copy of the Patients’ Bill of Right was Pasted on the walls of the hospital in visible corners where patients and service providers can read and learn from it. Participants appreciated the foundation for the wonderful teaching and enlightenment, saying that they look forward to participating in more enriching outreach.
In addition, we also took the sensitization a step further by going to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) to sensitize students and as well hear from them about the measures they take to ensure their safety when they visit their school clinic or other healthcare centres. Students were also asked to explain the steps they take to ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle through the stress of school.
We urge medical professionals to top their games to reduce the mortality rate due to negligence and we encourage patients to learn their rights to ensure their safety in hospitals. If both patients and service providers are working hand in hand to achieve safety, then the outcome would be tangible.
