Failure in reporting, analysis and prevention of medical errors often leads to severe healthcare events such as permanent injury, increased length of stay in the hospital or even death. According to the WHO, 1 in 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care. Globally, the cost associated with medication errors is around US$ 42 billion each year, almost 1% of global expenditure on health.

A patient safety is a fundamental principle of healthcare and an endemic concern. To revolutionise high-level support and commitment to tackle patient safety issues and to increase the awareness of the consequences of unsafe healthcare in the world, the WHO launched the World Alliance for Patient Safety Day in 2005. Therefore, the World Patient Safety Day is observed on every December 9. In this regard, we should know how to ensure the healthcare discipline 'patient safety'.

1. Most Happen Patient Safety Errors

Though many patients are treated successfully things can go wrong at times. Generally, patients are harmed while receiving hospital care and the harm can be caused by a range of errors (unsafe healthcare to say) such as...

• Diagnostic errors which include a wrong, missed or unintentional delayed diagnosis.

• Healthcare-acquired infections which occur during patient's hospitalisation.

• Medication errors in which a patient receives a wrong medication or receives right medication in the wrong dosage.

• Surgery errors in which an operation is done on the wrong part of the body or on the wrong person.

• Communication error in which the missed proper communication among the patient, doctor and hospital staff creates health problems.

2. Ensure Proper Patient Safety

All healthcare professionals should follow the given rules to ensure a proper patient safety.

• Ensure proper patient identity such as patient coding or labelling

• Avoid abbreviations while prescribing and avoiding over prescription

• Proper training for healthcare professionals

• Proper healthcare infrastructure

• Proper management during shifts in hospitals

• Following Standard Operative Procedure (SOP)

3. Do These For Your Own Safety

• Ensure that your personal data such as your previous complete medical history given to hospital is accurate.

• Ask questions if you are not much aware of the diagnosis. Do not be afraid to seek a second opinion if you unsure of your diagnosis.

• Ask the doctor about the pros and cons of the prescribed medical procedure for you

• Ask doctors whether you may experience side effects after a medical procedure.

4. General Patient Safety Precautions For All

While you are providing a healthcare to a patient, follow the below precautions.

• Washing hands frequently

• Wearing gloves

• Wearing a surgical, eyewear or face shield

• Disposing of the used needles and medical waste

• Sterilising cloths, reusable equipment after a medical procedure

• Using tissues or handkerchiefs when you cough or sneeze

Practicing patient safety measurements is not only good for patients but also for doctors, nurses and all other healthcare professionals.

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