Healthcare workers can achieve this by:
1. Adopting the mindset that actually engaging patients and their caregivers in their own care is paramount in achieving patient safety. Healthcare is primarily a service; therefore, it is co-produced with its users. The family members and caregivers provide an extra set of ears and eyes to help the patient understand what is going on and the instructions for taking their medicines.
2. Maintaining a welcoming and receptive attitude while listening to patients, handling their fears and concerns with seriousness, and providing the information they need. Remember, you may be handling the condition for the hundredth time, but they are probably experiencing it for the first time. More importantly, create an atmosphere that enables the patient to prompt you to, for example, perform a hand hygiene procedure you may have forgotten without being worried that they could be treated poorly thereafter.
3. Running the patient information by the patient one more time. This provides them with an opportunity to point out any incorrectly or inaccurately recorded information, which can help to minimize patient errors.
Written and compiled by: Sandra Aiyabei
References:
1. World Patient Safety Day 2023/ Hartmann Science Center. (https://www.hartmann-science-
center.com/en/top-issues/campaign-days/world-patient-safety-day-2023)
2. 5 patient-centered strategies to improve patient safety; PatientEngagementHIT
(https://www.hartmann-science-center.com/en/top-issues/campaign-days/world-patient-
safety-day-2023)