Improving patient safety in conflict-affected areas
Improving patient safety... 1
Every year, an inadmissible number of patients suffer injuries or die because of unsafe and poor-quality health care. Most of these injuries and deaths are avoidable, including in the Syrian Arab Republic. An estimated 4 million people are currently living in the north-western part of the country, which after 8 years of war is the one of the worst-affected regions. Civilians face daily bombardments, shelling and other forms of violence. Health facilities are frequently the focus of attacks. In these challenging conditions, health workers with limited resources struggle to provide patients with quality care.
Improving patient safety... 2
Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent health care-associated infections and pathogen transmission. As part of the infection prevention and control project in the north-western Syrian Arab Republic, handwashing posters are displayed at all handwashing stations to support appropriate hand hygiene to prevent infections.
Improving patient safety... 3
Friendly health staff ensure that patients receive better care. As part of WHO-supported infection prevention and control training, health staff receive guidance on developing good relationships with patients, which contribute to optimal diagnosis and treatment. WHO is also supporting awareness-raising activities to educate patients and visitors about infection prevention and control. For example, patients are encouraged to observe hand hygiene practices, which improves clinician adherence.
Improving patient safety... 4
Bacteria are developing new ways to resist antibiotics. Pharmacies play a pivotal role in preventing antimicrobial resistance. WHO has introduced protocols for the use of antibiotics to health professionals working in the north-western Syrian Arab Republic.
Improving patient safety... 5
It is estimated that 1 in 10 patients acquire an infection while receiving care. Ensuring an infection-free environment requires the cooperation of health staff,patients and visitors. WHO has trained over 100 health staff in 30 Syrian health facilities in various infection prevention and control measures to ensure patient safety.,
Improving patient safety... 6
No one should get sick while seeking or receiving care. WHO highlights the need to disinfect and sterilize medical equipment, and for health staff to wear personal protective equipment when providing care to patients. Health facilities in the north-western Syrian Arab Republic are often understaffed and working with limited resources, including medical supplies and equipment. With limited means, health staff are taught to create safe conditions for the provision of quality health services in challenging environments.
Improving patient safety... 7
Surgical site infections are caused by bacteria that enter through incisions made during surgery. Improving patient safety in operating theatres is a key priority for WHO’s work in the north-western Syrian Arab Republic. WHO has provided training on infection prevention and control guidelines and protocols to health staff in 15 secondary health facilities, followed by on-the-job coaching for 6 months. WHO is also introducing surveillance of health care-associated infections to quickly identify new trends and outbreaks.
Improving patient safety... 8
Contamination spreads through 3 routes: direct contact, exposure to contaminated ingredients and exposure to contaminated air. Health staff and patients need protection from all of these routes. Standard infection control precautions reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens from both recognized and unrecognized sources. These precautions are to be used, as a minimum, in the care of all patients. Activities to increase infection prevention and control in the north-western Syrian Arab Republic focus on strengthening the capacity of health staff to apply standard precautions that improve everyone’s safety.
Improving patient safety... 9
Contamination of intravenous fluids is particularly problematic because of the potential to cause serious illness – preventing it is a key component of assuring patient safety in hospital settings. During WHO-supported trainings, health staff learn guidelines for preparing sterile medications while wearing clean clothing covers and surgical gloves, and receive training on proper aseptic techniques.