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In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, patient safety and quality care remain the cornerstones of effective medical practice. Every day, healthcare professionals strive to provide treatments that not only heal but also protect patients from harm. As a passionate advocate for patient-centred care, Ssuuna Mujib, a volunteer at the Uganda Alliance of Patients' Organisations, believes that prioritising safety is not just a responsibility—it’s a moral imperative that shapes trust, outcomes and the future of healthcare. The importance of patient safety Patient safety refers to the prevention of errors and adverse effects associated with healthcare delivery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of patients worldwide suffer from preventable harm due to unsafe care each year. These incidents can range from medication errors to hospital-acquired infections, surgical complications or misdiagnoses. The consequences are profound, affecting patients’ lives, increasing healthcare costs and eroding trust in medical systems. Ensuring patient safety requires a multifaceted approach that involves healthcare providers, administrators, policymakers and patients themselves. By fostering a culture of safety, we can minimise risks and create an environment where quality care thrives. Key strategies for improving patient safety and care To deliver exceptional care while safeguarding patients, healthcare systems must adopt evidence-based practices and innovative solutions. Here are some critical strategies to enhance patient safety: 1. Effective communication Clear and open communication among healthcare teams is vital. Miscommunication can lead to errors, such as administering the wrong medication or misinterpreting a patient’s condition. Standardised tools like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) can improve handoffs and ensure critical information is shared accurately. 2. Robust training and education Continuous professional development ensures that healthcare workers stay updated on best practices and emerging technologies. Training programmes should emphasise error prevention, infection control and patient engagement. Empowering staff with knowledge builds confidence and competence in delivering safe care. 3. Leveraging technology Technology plays a transformative role in patient safety. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) reduce documentation errors, while barcode medication administration systems help verify medications before they reach patients. Additionally, artificial intelligence tools can predict risks, such as sepsis, enabling early interventions. 4. Patient empowerment Patients are active partners in their care. Encouraging them to ask questions, understand their treatment plans and report concerns fosters shared decision making. Educating patients about their medications and procedures can prevent errors and enhance adherence. 5. Creating a culture of safety A blame-free environment encourages healthcare workers to report errors or near-misses without fear of retribution. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) can identify systemic issues and drive improvements. Leadership must champion safety as a core value, setting the tone for the entire organisation. The role of compassion in patient care While systems and protocols are essential, the human element of care cannot be overlooked. Compassionate care builds trust and promotes healing. Listening to patients, respecting their dignity and addressing their fears create a therapeutic environment. When patients feel valued, they are more likely to engage in their treatment plans and communicate openly, reducing the risk of errors. Challenges and the path forward Despite progress, challenges like understaffing, resource constraints and burnout continue to threaten patient safety across the world. Addressing these requires investment in workforce development, equitable resource allocation and mental health support for healthcare workers. Collaboration between governments, healthcare institutions and communities is crucial to overcoming these barriers. Looking ahead, the integration of data analytics, telemedicine, and patient-reported outcomes will further revolutionise safety and care. By embracing innovation while staying grounded in empathy, we can build a healthcare system that is both safe and compassionate. A call to action Patient safety and care are shared responsibilities. As healthcare professionals, we must commit to continuous improvement, learning from mistakes and advocating for our patients. As patients, we should actively participate in our care and hold systems accountable. Together, we can create a future where every patient receives safe, high-quality care. Let’s work hand in hand to make patient safety not just a goal, but a reality.

To mark the annual World Patient Safety Day, three organisations - COHSASA of South Africa, AfiHQSA of Ghana and C-CARE (IHK) of Uganda - are collaborating to bring you the latest thinking across Africa regarding 'Medication without harm', the theme for WHO's Third Global Patient Safety Challenge. The Challenge aims to reduce the global burden of iatrogenic medication-related harm by 50% within five years. Join us to hear new ideas, visions and solutions to address medication-related adverse events which cause untold death and suffering around the world. Register for the meeting FINAL INVITE FOR WPSD WEBINAR.pdf