This week, March 14 – 20, we celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week, an annual recognition event intended to encourage everyone to learn more about health care safety. During this week, important discussions locally and globally are happening to inspire action to improve the safety of the health care system — for patients and the workforce. We asked our Great Plains QIN team members to share their perspective on the importance of patient safety and what individuals and the healthcare community can do to ensure safer care.
“A key to patient safety is taking the time to really listen to the patient and family. Sitting down and taking an active interest in what patients and families are saying builds a trusting relationship where individualized care can be strengthened through active dialogue about the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, concerns and what is important to them.” – Krystal Hays, DNP, RN, RAC-CT; Regional Project Manager
“One of the most satisfying aspects of being a Quality Improvement Advisor is being actively involved in improving patient safety. Working towards safe healthcare systems and processes will help my loved ones and myself live a better and hopefully a longer life.” – Lori Hintz, RN, CDP, CADDCT; Quality Improvement Advisor
“A key to patient safety is communication. Communication between patients and their caregivers with their healthcare providers engages the patient in their care and helps their providers understand what matters to their patients. Communication between healthcare providers is vital to coordinated care putting the patient’s safety first.” – Jayme Steig, PharmD, RPh; Quality Improvement Advisor
“When I was 7 years old, my grandma had open heart surgery. The care that was provided to her by all of the nurses interested and inspired me to pursue nursing. I became most committed to patient safety and quality improvement while in nursing school. My dad spent many months in the hospital and post-acute settings and really saw some great care, but we also witnessed multiple breaks in safe medical practices. Seeing this was a foundation for my work in quality improvement.” -Tammy Wagner, RN, LSSGB; Quality Improvement Advisor
Patient Safety Awareness Week serves as a dedicated time and platform for growing awareness about patient safety and recognizing the work already being done. The Great Plains QIN team would like to thank and extend our appreciation to all the healthcare partners across the region for your dedication and commitment to quality improvement and improving patient care. Every day is Patient Safety Day and we thank you!