5 ways patient safety can be promoted at healthcare organizations

There are many different things healthcare organisations can do to ensure the well-being of all the different patients that come through their doors. Here are 5 great ways to promote patient safety in your organisation and the entire healthcare industry.

1. Calculate your organisation’s safety culture

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality offers free surverys to identify patient safety strengths and needed improvements. Find them at AHRQ.gov.

- Take only 15-20 minutes to complete
- Take once every 6-16 months

2. Work with a patient safety organisation

The Health Systems Trust in South Africa is a leading patient safety organisation.

- It is a safe, confidential place for healthcare organisations to report information
- It is used to identify problems and solutions, which contributes to the greater good

3. Encourage patients to get involved

Get patients to play an active role in their healthcare and join a patient safety program

- Look out for any helpful brochures, posters and videos
- Make sure materials are available in multiple languages for different patients

4. Support your staff

- Build teamwork to improve communication and efficiency
- Decrease hospital shifts to fewer than 16 hours to avoid serious medical errors
-  Reduce distractions, especially during critical times such as shift changes
- Create a zone of silence near medication preparation carts and other areas where concentration is vital

5. Prioritize equipment calibration, testing and maintenance

- Vital to the longevity, accuracy and efficiency of your equipment
- Should be done at least once a year
- Requires specialized equipment and a certified engineer

Take a look through Supply Doctor’s website, where they have a wide range of high-quality medical equipment. Choose what you need and order it quickly and conveniently!