5 Tips For Patient Safety Awareness Week 

Patient Safety Awareness Week encourages people to learn more about healthcare safety, and this year, it takes place March 14–20, 2021. This topic can include the reporting, prevention and reduction of issues that harm patients and others in medical settings.

Down below, five areas are covered, with tips and facts on how to help keep health facilities welcoming, honest, controlled, accountable, reliable and safe, which — in turn — helps to keep patients safe.

Environment 

From the moment that someone clicks onto your website or steps into your facility, they should feel welcomed. This includes staff members passing along information in a clear way.

“It is important to truly listen to and acknowledge the patient's concerns and fears,” says Angel Oliver of Pain Specialists of America. “Once you have the facts, you can provide them with the answers they need to make the best decision for their healthcare.”

Disasters 

At times, there are emergencies that can affect patients, staff and communities, and everyone in the office needs to be familiar with procedures, such as how to respond, where to go and how to best control the situation. 

More details on emergency preparedness can be found on the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s website. 

Communication

How you talk with patients, what you discuss and when conversations take place is also key in making people feel safe and secure. 

“When communicating face-to-face, introduce yourself, letting them know what you will be doing with them today,” Oliver suggests. “Making eye contact is also essential to making them feel comfortable. Ask the patient if they have any questions about the surgery or procedure they will be having done. I have found that if you take those few extra minutes to introduce yourself, make eye contact and make sure all questions are answered, they have a much better experience.”

Infections 

Infection control and prevention is part of this topic, as well, since there are certain steps to take, in order to fight off infections. The Joint Commission has some great resources that can assist in this area. 

Guidelines 

Finally, remember to be open and direct with patients about what to expect, when to come back and other recommendations. 

Cheryl Garmon says that Heaton Laser and Surgery Center provides the referring surgeon office with brochures that have key instructions, such as information for before surgery, the day of surgery and after surgery. “We include patient rights and a form to list medication information. After surgery, we provide an instruction card listing what to do/not to do. We also have a carbon form of more detailed instructions, such as resumption of medications and post-op appointment time.”

While there is an emphasis on patient safety during this awareness week, it is a priority for all, at all times. How are you working to keep  patients safe? Tell us below!