An international campaign called World Patient Safety Day aims to improve procedures and raise awareness of patient safety in the medical field. Every year on September 17, people throughout the world observe this day, which encourages cooperation and unity among all nations and international partners. The resolution WHA 72.6 supports the creation of World Patient Safety Day and acknowledges patient safety as a worldwide health priority. The day seeks to eliminate preventable mistakes and unfavourable practices in healthcare settings by increasing awareness and inspiring countries to prioritise patient safety.

History of World Patient Safety Day

• The goal of World Patient Safety Day, which falls on September 17, 2024, is to raise awareness of patient safety and stop avoidable injuries in healthcare settings.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) established the day in 2019 to increase public awareness of avoidable harm in healthcare settings and the millions of injuries and fatalities brought on by hazardous practices each year.
• Patient injury continues to be a leading cause of mortality globally, especially in high-income to low-income nations, despite advances in medical technology.
• Every year, 2.6 million fatalities result from 134 million unfavourable occurrences that happen in low- and middle-income nations. 10% of patients in affluent cities experience subpar care and damage while undergoing treatment; of these, nearly half were preventable.
• Approximately 40% of patients suffer damage worldwide, and 80% of those occurrences might have been prevented. Misdiagnosis, prescription mistakes, and medication usage are common errors and causes of injury.
• In 2019 World Health Assembly resolution WHA 72.6 on ‘Global action on patient safety’ was adopted by the World Health Organisation, marking the establishment of World Patient Safety Day.

The theme for World Patient Safety Day 2024

• To enhance patient safety and well-being, the 2024 Patient Safety Conference will centre on “Transforming Wellness in Science, Technology, and Health Care Settings.”
• The conference will cover how creative and efficient healthcare environments may be improved by new scientific and technological advancements. Attendees may anticipate thought-provoking talks and presentations aimed at fostering a future in which patient safety is given priority in the evolution of healthcare.

Importance of Patient Safety in Healthcare

• A vital component of high-quality healthcare is patient safety, which guarantees that patients receive the best treatment possible without suffering injury from mistakes or carelessness.
• Placing a high priority on patient safety measures promotes public health generally and patient health by strengthening patient trust in the healthcare system.
• Hospitals may save a lot of money by reducing readmission rates and length of stay by putting in place efficient patient safety measures.
• By promoting policy changes, leadership development, safety enhancements, medical professional sensitisation and training, and patient engagement in care, World Patient Safety Day seeks to increase patient safety.
• The WHO’s continuing Medication Without Damage campaign, which aims to reduce preventable medication-related damage globally, is the subject of World Patient Safety Day in 2022.
• World Patient Safety Day was established in May 2019 to increase awareness around the world regarding the active involvement of patients, carers, and families at all levels of healthcare.
• It promotes the active participation of a range of stakeholders in the improvement of patient safety policies and procedures, including legislators, leaders in the healthcare industry, healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and civil society.
• One of the main objectives is to provide patients and their families with the tools they need to actively participate in their treatment.
• Encouraging fast and coordinated action from all partners to advance patient safety in the area of patient and family interaction is in line with the Global Patient Safety Action Plan for 2021–2030.

Conclusion

The significance of patient safety in healthcare systems is emphasised on World Patient Safety Day in 2024. It promotes efforts to enhance protocols and fosters discussion about safe practices. The day emphasises the common accountability for ensuring safe, high-quality procedures and the worldwide commitment to patient well-being. It demands teamwork to maintain a safe and long-lasting healthcare system and to eradicate avoidable damage.