March 11-17 is National Patient Safety Awareness Week 2018. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is the primary sponsor of the annual observance through its United for Patient Safety Campaign.
IHI is asking both clinicians and consumers to focus on patient safety as a serious public health issue.
As an industry leader in patient safety and quality improvement, Ob Hospitalist Group requires all clinicians to regularly maintain their proficiency in the latest OB/GYN patient safety issues via continuing education, and all new clinical employees are required to complete several online courses (or bundles) in electronic fetal monitoring and perinatal safety before they begin their first shift in a partner hospital.
In addition, the OBHG SAFE program identifies areas for potential quality improvement and provides our clinicians and partners with access to a variety of best practices and educational offerings.
During Patient Safety Awareness Week this year, IHI encourages interested people to share their organization’s plans or initiatives, honor those who have suffered due to medical errors, participate in an open Twitter chat scheduled for Friday from 12-1 pm EST (use #PSAW18 to join the conversation), and take the pledge to stand united in striving to reduce harm in patient care.
At OBHG, a passion for people and commitment to patient safety and quality improvement are part of our culture. For safety programs anywhere to succeed, it is imperative that healthcare organizations similarly establish their own safety cultures, regularly utilize bundles, toolkits, and best practices, and consistently demonstrate unwavering dedication to their patients every day.