World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17th, serves as a reminder of the crucial role that patient safety plays in healthcare[1]. While healthcare providers have a significant responsibility in ensuring patient safety, families and caregivers also play a vital role in this endeavor. Patients and their loved ones are in a unique position to advocate for safer care, ask questions, and actively participate in the healthcare process. In this article, we will explore seven practical tips that families and caregivers can implement to enhance patient safety.These tips should be followed not only on World Patient Safety Day but every other day, as they can significantly impact the quality of care a patient receives.
1. Open and Effective Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of patient safety. Families and caregivers should establish open lines of communication with healthcare providers, ensuring that all parties are informed and engaged in the patient’s care[2].
Here are some ways to facilitate effective communication:
-Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the patient’s condition, treatment options, and potential risks. Encourage the patient to ask questions as well[3].
-Keep a Journal: Maintain a journal or notebook to record important information, including medications, treatment plans, and questions for healthcare providers.
-Speak Up: If you notice a change in the patient’s condition or have concerns about their care, speak up promptly. Your observations can be crucial in preventing errors.
-Understand Medications: Ensure you understand the names, dosages, and potential side effects of medications[2,3]. Double-check with healthcare providers if there is any confusion.
-Use Health Literacy Resources: Utilize health literacy resources and materials to improve your understanding of medical terminology and healthcare processes.
2. Medication Safety
Medication errors are a common cause of harm in healthcare settings.
Families and caregivers can play a pivotal role in ensuring medication safety for their loved ones:
-Create a Medication List: Maintain an up-to-date list of all the patient’s medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
-Check Medications: Before administering any medication, verify that it matches the doctor’s prescription[4].
-Proper Storage: Store medications in their original containers, away from children and pets, and in conditions specified on the labels[4].
-Adherence: Encourage the patient to take medications as prescribed and report any adverse reactions promptly.
3. Infection Control
Infections acquired in healthcare settings, known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are preventable with proper infection control measures.
Families and caregivers can help by:
-Hand Hygiene: Ensure that everyone entering the patient’s room practices proper hand hygiene by washing hands or using hand sanitizer[5].
-Advocate for Cleanliness: If you notice any lapses in cleanliness or hygiene, bring it to the attention of healthcare staff.
4. Fall Prevention
Falls are a significant concern in healthcare settings, especially for older patients.
Families and caregivers can help prevent falls by:
-Assisting with Mobility: Provide assistance when the patient needs to move or get out of bed[6]. Make sure they have necessary aids like walkers or canes.
-Keep Pathways Clear: Ensure pathways are clear of clutter, rugs, and other tripping hazards.
-Call for Help: Encourage the patient to call for assistance when needed, rather than attempting to move independently.
5. Advocacy for Informed Consent
Informed consent is a critical aspect of patient safety and decision-making.
Families and caregivers can advocate for informed consent by:
-Understanding the Process: Familiarize yourself with the informed consent process, which involves discussing treatment options, risks, and benefits with the healthcare provider[7].
-Support Decision-Making: Ensure that the patient is actively involved in decisions about their care and that their preferences are respected[7].
6. Post-Discharge Care
The transition from hospital to home can be a vulnerable period for patients.
Families and caregivers can ensure a safe transition by:
-Understand Discharge Instructions: Ensure that you understand all discharge instructions, including medication changes, follow-up appointments, and signs of complications[8].
-Medication Reconciliation: Reconcile medications with the healthcare provider to prevent errors or omissions[8].
-Follow-Up: Ensure that the patient attends all scheduled follow-up appointments and tests[8].
Final takeaway
Patient safety is a shared responsibility, and families and caregivers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. By actively participating in healthcare processes, advocating for informed consent, and implementing safety measures, families and caregivers can contribute significantly to reducing the risks associated with medical care. These tips not only enhance patient safety but also empower patients to take control of their health, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of care. On World Patient Safety Day and every day, let us commit to being proactive partners in ensuring the safety of our loved ones in healthcare settings.
(The article is reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
References:
1. World Patient Safety Day. WHO. Available online: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day
2. Quick Safety Issue 29: Advancing patient-provider communication and activating patients. The Joint Commission. Updated April 2022. Available online:
https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/news-and-multimedia/newsletters/newsletters/quick-safety/quick-safety-issue-29-advancing-patientprovider-communication-and-activating-patients/
3. Speak Up About Your Care. The Joint Commission. Available online:
https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/for-consumers/speak-up-campaigns/about-your-care
4. Medicine Safety Tips At Home. Pfizer. Published January 24, 2018. Available online:
https://www.pfizer.com/products/medicine-safety/tips/at-home
5. Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/index.html
6. Preventing Falls in Hospitals. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Updated sept. 2019. Available online:
https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/falls?_gl=1*15l4u4m*_ga*NjgzMjM3OTk0LjE2OTQ3Nzc0MTg.*_ga_45NDTD15CJ*MTY5NDc4MDk5OC4xLjAuMTY5NDc4MDk5OC42MC4wLjA.
7. Informed Consent. American Medical Association. Available online:
https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/2.1.1.pdf
8. Strategy 4: Care Transitions From Hospital to Home: IDEAL Discharge Planning. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Updated Dec. 2017. Available online:
https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/patients-families/engagingfamilies/strategy4/index.html