World Patient Safety Day 2023: Empowering Patient Engagement for Safer Healthcare

Every year on September 17th, the global community unites to observe World Patient Safety Day. This dedicated day serves to increase awareness about patient safety and foster worldwide solidarity in the pursuit of safer healthcare for patients. This year’s theme, “Engaging patients for patient safety,” highlights the importance of actively involving patients and their families in healthcare decision-making. It aims to engage policymakers, healthcare leaders, care providers, and patients’ organizations, empower patients and families, and promote patient advocacy.

To mark World Patient Safety Day, IHHN organized a webinar featuring a panel of professionals who shared their insights, best practices, and updates on enhancing patient and healthcare worker engagement to ensure safe and high-quality care. Dr. Lubna Mushtaque, Head of the Quality and Monitoring Directorate, IHHN, opened the event by introducing the patient advocacy program initiated at IHHN. Following her, Dr. Zafar Zaidi, CEO of IHHN, and Dr. Rafie Raza, Consultant and Head of Pediatric Oncology at IHHN, discussed the physician’s perspective on shared decision-making. Ms. Rashida Merchant highlighted the significance of patient education and the role of nurses. Lastly, Dr. Aisha Wali shared her thoughts on fostering patient engagement in safe maternal and child health. Participants from across the network actively participated in the webinar.

Other activities included, a patient education video on medication safety and patient engagement displayed in the outpatient department, and the showcasing of messages related to the World Patient Safety Day theme on HMIS screens to raise staff awareness. Staff and patients participated in sessions focusing on patient advocacy to enhance awareness. Patients were provided with wrist ribbon bands in various colors to convey their sense of safety and participation in their care. Additionally, nurses and doctors shared their commitment to patient safety by wearing blue wristbands.