World Patient Safety Day 2024: Focusing on Diagnostic Safety

The primary objective of World Patient Safety Day is to raise global awareness about the importance of patient safety within healthcare systems.

World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17, was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 following the adoption of resolution WHA72.6 by the World Health Assembly.

This resolution highlights the global importance of patient safety and calls for collective action to reduce harm in healthcare settings.

Patient safety refers to efforts aimed at preventing and reducing risks, errors, and harm that patients may experience during healthcare delivery.

The initiative was created in response to the alarming rate of avoidable medical errors and patient harm worldwide.

The primary objective of World Patient Safety Day is to raise global awareness about the importance of patient safety within healthcare systems.

2024 Theme: Enhancing Diagnostic Safety

According to WHO, the theme for this year's World Patient Safety Day centers on enhancing diagnosis for patient safety, under the slogan "Get it right, make it safe!"

The focus emphasizes the vital role that accurate and timely diagnosis plays in improving patient safety and preventing harm.

“On this day, we join patients and their families, healthcare professionals, leaders, policymakers, and civil society in highlighting the crucial importance of accurate and timely diagnosis in promoting patient safety,” WHO stated in its official communication.

A correct diagnosis is crucial for identifying a patient's condition, but the process is often complex and lengthy.

Errors in diagnosis can occur at any stage and lead to serious consequences, such as prolonged illness, disability, or even death. Timely and accurate diagnosis is fundamental to effective treatment and better health outcomes.

Global Survey on Diagnostic Safety

WHO’s Global Member State survey on implementing the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030 revealed that only 47% of countries actively address diagnostic safety.

However, Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, highlighted that Member States in the Southeast Asia region have been more proactive in addressing diagnostic safety than other regions.

“Understanding the diagnostic process is essential for reducing errors. This process consists of multiple steps, including history taking, diagnostic testing, result communication, and coordination between patients and healthcare teams. Errors can occur at any point in this complex process,” Wazed explained.

Addressing Diagnostic Errors

To minimize diagnostic errors, healthcare systems must implement a variety of solutions. Policymakers and healthcare leaders should focus on fostering positive workplace environments and ensuring access to high-quality diagnostic tools.

Healthcare professionals must be encouraged to improve their skills and address unconscious biases, while patients should be empowered to engage actively throughout their diagnostic journey.

“As we observe World Patient Safety Day, let us all commit to reducing diagnostic errors and improving patient safety,” Wazed urged. “Through our collective efforts, we can make a significant impact on the quality of care provided and ensure better health outcomes for all.”

World Patient Safety Day serves as a reminder for global healthcare communities to work together toward achieving safer healthcare systems for everyone.