In terms of safety

Abstract

Have your say on a new international approach to classifying patient safety information. Better classification of health information is often seen as a long way removed from the real work of making patient care safer. This is a mistaken view. Global progress on patient safety requires clear agreement about key safety terms and concepts. To date, a truly international patient safety classification has been missing. Our ability to accurately compare safety-related information across reporting and data collection systems is almost non-existent. This is a significant barrier to progress because many of the risks to patient safety are common across countries. The vision of the World Alliance for Patient Safety is simple. Can we more systematically and quickly learn from the experiences of patient harm internationally to prevent future patients being harmed throughout the world …