Envisaging patient safety in health-care settings

Abstract

The concept of patient safety came into existence owing to the complexity attributed to the health systems and the rising incidence of patient harms in health care facilities. It won't be wrong to say that patient harm in healthcare is intolerable, especially the ones resulting because of the error in the diagnosis, prescription or the use of medicines. The need of the hour is to establish a culture that fosters linkage with patients, boosts reporting and learning from mistakes and establishes a safe environment wherein health professionals are empowered and well-trained to minimize their errors. In conclusion, patient safety during health care delivery is an essential prerequisite to accomplish health system strengthening and move forward towards the attainment of universal health coverage. The time has come when patient safety has to be regarded as one of the global health priorities and focused actions are taken to achieve improved health outcomes.