People all over the world observe World Patient Safety Day on September 17 every year. Safe health care must move beyond mere rhetoric to actual implementation.
That is why this day is set apart to reflect, advocate and act on safe health care for all. Neglect of patient safety has left many in harm’s way and lives lost in many miserable and unfortunate ways.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately three million deaths occur globally as a result of unsafe health care.
In Ghana alone, it is reported that 2,529 women aged between 12 and 54 died between 2021 and 2023, with many of these deaths attributed to preventable causes.
Medication errors, hospital-acquired infections, diagnostic inaccuracies, surgical errors and falls and accidents are some of the ways by which patient safety is compromised.
The untold psychological, financial, mental, emotional and social agony that persists after a sour healthcare event makes this day a very important one for highlighting the implementation of robust protocols, staff training, continuous professional development, importance of emergency life-saving equipment and continuous quality improvement.
This year, the safety of newborns and young children has become a national priority.
From conception through delivery to their first steps and beyond, every child deserves to survive, develop and be protected from all ills.
All children, especially newborns, are uniquely vulnerable because they lack the capacity and agency to take care of themselves.
They depend on their families and healthcare workers for safety and care.
This is why a single mistake, delay or oversight can lead to regrettable lifelong consequences if they survive at all.
Their developing immune system and inability to communicate are all reasons why newborn safety must be prioritised.
Healthcare professionals are the newborn’s first hope of safety.
Policy makers must therefore ensure that health providers are fully empowered and equipped to function in roles that pertain to the newborn.
Evidence-based practices, guidelines and protocols reduce risk and errors. Supervisors must therefore ensure that these are being followed to the letter.
Accurate dosing and safe administration of unexpired medications and vaccines are all issues of newborn safety.
Knowledge of danger signs of illness in a newborn is key to the early detection and response to infections or complications, whether at home or in the health facility.
Refresher training and ongoing seminars are great reminders to maintain quality and standards.
Sometimes it is a matter such as the mix-up (and therefore difficulty in identifying newborns) that can create a nightmare for both health workers and the families of the babies.
Health workers cannot afford to be nonchalant about continuous monitoring and documentation during neonatal and pediatric care.
It is a fact that clean hands, clear records and calm minds save lives.
These patient safety initiatives are best supported when the necessary resources and infrastructure are made available in facilities.
These include, for instance, clean water and other hygiene equipment.
The collaboration between health workers and parents must be strengthened at all times.
Parents and caregivers are allies who are usually the first to notice an adverse event.
They must therefore be educated and carried along during the care to empower them.
Health workers must not hasten to dismiss their views and observations.
This also borders on ensuring the safety of newborns and children.
Communities and other stakeholders must support their facilities and health workers by helping to put in place measures that ensure their own safety.
Healthcare safety thrives on a culture of transparency, accountability and continuous learning.
The respectful collaboration between healthcare workers and their clients, the communities and other stakeholders should be mutual and progressive.
The Writer is a Child development expert/ Fellow of the Zero-To-Three Academy, USA.
E-mail: nanaesi.gaisie@wellchildhaven.com
