Patient Safety Research
Eastern Mediterranean and African Adverse Events Study
Unsafe care is responsible for an enormous human toll everywhere. New research from the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa suggests that approximately 8% hospital admissions in 26 hospitals showed at least one adverse event that caused harm to patients. Of these, the majority were judged to be preventable and about 30% were associated with the death of patients. The study suggests areas for improvement, particularly in the training and supervision of staff and availability and implementation of protocols and policies. Healthcare institutions that look at their patient safety problems aiming to understand and improve them, are giving gigantic steps towards safer care.
Evidence of unsafe care
Findings from the Latin American Study of Adverse Events (IBEAS) are a reflection of the reality of many other hospitals in transitional countries across the globe: on a given day, 1 in 10 patients admitted to the participating hospitals were suffering from, or undergoing treatment for, a health care -related adverse event. The risk of suffering adverse events doubled if the entire hospital stay was considered. This evidence highlights the importance of addressing patient safety globally.
Global priority areas for patient safety research
Patient safety is a global issue affecting countries at all levels of development. Understanding the magnitude of the problem and the main contributing factors is essential in order to devising appropriate solutions. WHO Patient Safety has identified the global priority areas where there are substantial knowledge gaps exist and where further knowledge would significantly contribute to improving patient safety and reducing harm.
Reducing bloodstream infections
Central venous catheters are life-saving and the majority of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) have them placed in order to receive medicine and fluids. However, the use of these can result in serious bloodstream infections. Bloodstream infections associated with the insertion and maintenance of central venous catheters (CVC) are among the most dangerous complications that can occur. These complications worsen patients’ health, prolong hospital stay and increase the cost of care.
Reports
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Research information booklet [pdf 2.44Mb]
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A methodological guide for data-poor hospitals [pdf 2.89Mb]
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Core competencies for Patient Safety researchers [pdf 1.38Mb]
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Global Priorities for Patient Safety Research [pdf 1.04Mb]
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Human Factors in Patent Safety [pdf 1.15Mb]
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Methods and measures used in primary care patient safety research [pdf 712kb]
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Summary of the evidence on Patient Safety: Implications for Research [pdf 1.11Mb]
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Rapid assessment methods for assessing hazards [pdf 120kb]