"#WorldPatientSafetyDay" calls for global solidarity and concerted action by all countries and international partners to improve patient safety.
The Day brings together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, health care leaders and policy-makers to show their commitment to patient safety.
The resolution WHA 72.6 ‘Global action on patient safety’ recognizes patient safety as a global health priority and endorses the establishment of World Patient Safety Day to be observed annually on 17 September".
Ref:https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day
Theme of 2024:
"Get it Right & Keep It Safe"
- for Patient Safety
In healthcare, accurate prescriptions are crucial for patient safety. A well-written prescription minimizes errors, optimizes treatment outcomes, and enhances patient well-being.
On Patient Safety Day, it is essential to emphasize the responsibility of physicians, pharmacists and healthcare providers in ensuring safe prescription and service.
Key Strategies for Safe Prescriptions:
1. Clarity and Precision:
Avoid abbreviations and ensure legible handwriting or digital prescriptions.
Specify the drug name, dosage, route of administration, and frequency clearly.
2. Patient Information:
Include patient-specific details like age, weight (for pediatric or geriatric care), and known allergies.
Consider potential drug interactions with existing medications.
3. Education and Communication:
Ensure patients understand their prescriptions, including how and when to take medications.
Highlight potential side effects and encourage patients to ask questions.
4. Standardized Protocols:
Follow clinical guidelines and ensure prescriptions align with best practices.
Regularly update medical knowledge on new drugs and safety alerts.
5. Utilization of Technology:
Leverage e-prescriptions to reduce errors due to misinterpretation.
Implement drug interaction alerts within electronic medical systems.
6. Pharmacist Involvement:
Pharmacists play a key responsibility in providing reliable clinical support and reviewing prescriptions, detecting errors, and counseling patients.
Regular medication reconciliation ensures ongoing therapy is safe and effective.
Prescription accuracy is a joint responsibility of both the physician and pharmacist and is a cornerstone of patient safety.
By ensuring prescriptions are clear, precise, and safe, healthcare providers protect patients from medication errors and improve treatment outcomes.
On Patient Safety Day, let's commit to getting prescriptions right and keeping them safe for all.
POV : Bhagwan PS
