World Patient Safety Day 2021
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World Patient Safety Day 2021

17/09/2021

Anyone seeking medical treatment assumes that they will be treated in the best possible way and, above all, safely. From anamnesis to the actual treatment to discharge, patient safety is essential. To draw attention to this issue, the WHO has launched the World Patient Safety Day.

This day of action is relatively new and is almost in its infancy; nevertheless, it is no less important for everyone who experiences medical treatment. Since 2015, the Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit e.V. (Patient Safety Action Alliance) (APS) has been campaigning to add the day to the list of international days of

Image: A woman holding a baby; Copyright: PantherMedia / IgorVetushko

Patient safety is important from the first breath.

action and holidays of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) so that the general public is also better educated about patient safety. In 2019, the APS did it: 194 countries recognized patient safety as a priority health goal, and World Patient Safety Day became a WHO Day of Action.

This year, it's literally all about patient safety from the first breath: Under the theme "Safe maternal and newborn care," WHO is calling for action to promote safe and respectful birth. Every day, more than 800 women die as a result of childbirth or pregnancy, and around 5,400 children are stillborn. This is primarily related to the quality of health care women receive during pregnancy and childbirth. For these numbers to decrease, we first need more comprehensive health systems and approaches that are implemented in solidarity by communities.

As part of Action Day 2021, the APS will present a variety of solutions for quality patient care. It is particularly important to the association that the topic receives more public attention – the association will organize a hybrid event with online live streaming in Berlin for this purpose. Interested parties can learn what each individual can contribute to their own patient safety. Engaged ones can present also own projects or topics approximately around patient security, as long as there is a direct reference to the topic and specialized information is obtained. In addition, smaller activities are taking place in clinics, practices and homes throughout Germany – the APS has clearly presented all activities on a map.

WHO will hold a virtual global conference on World Patient Safety Day to discuss the issue, present reports on antenatal and newborn care and its patient safety goals, among other things. Interested parties can participate online. 

Learn more about patient safety in our articles and interviews:

Interview

Image: a man laying in a hospital bed, a doctor with a tablet is standing in front of him; Copyright: PantherMedia / Wavebreakmedia Ltd.

Hospital: how an AI tool could improve patient safety

Sometimes, a hospital stay can proceed successfully without a hitch. At other times, there might be an unexpected turn of events if the patient exhibits complications. Early identification of these patients could prevent unnecessary suffering. A new research project intends to develop an AI-based tool that predicts a patient's risk of complications at an early stage.

Article
Image: a person holding an ultrasound head; Copyright: PantherMedia / Bork

Faster treatment thanks to point-of-care diagnostics

Making an informed and immediate treatment decision near or at the patient’s bedside – point-of-care testing (also known as POCT) makes this possible. Unlike stationary devices, special exam rooms or other service infrastructure, POC diagnostic devices offer a multitude of benefits including more flexibility, faster results, and lower costs – be it in emergency medicine, in hospitals or in doctor's offices.
Learn more about What solutions point-of-care diagnostics offers

Interview

Image: a person in hospital clothing holding a tablet; Copyright: PantherMedia / Wavebreakmedia (YAYmicro)

mHealth in the hospital: from data security to patient welfare

Patient safety is a top priority in any healthcare setting. These days, this no longer just applies to health care delivery. Thanks to the increasing use of digital and mobile technologies, protecting patient data is also becoming increasingly important. Dr. Thomas Berger explains what patient safety denotes in this context and describes how it can be implemented in day-to-day hospital operations.

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