In the picturesque Republic of Maldives, the dedication to patient safety serves as the cornerstone of the healthcare sector's initiatives, fostering a culture of vigilance and compassion. At the wheels of this transformative journey stands the dedicated members of the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Division (QARD) of Ministry of Health. Despite the team’s limited size, their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have catalyzed profound changes in healthcare standards across the islands.
Working tirelessly behind the scenes, the QARD team orchestrates initiatives aimed at fortifying patient safety practices at every level of the healthcare system. Through meticulous planning and strategic collaborations, they ensure that each healthcare facility, from hospitals to remote and scattered health centers, upholds the high standards of care and safety.
National Patient Safety Program: Building blocks of excellence
With a vision to pioneer a culture of safety, Maldives established its National Patient Safety Program, a testament to their commitment to quality care. Across six hospitals, quality improvement and Development (QID) units stand as pillars of vigilance, while patient safety focal points dot the landscape of 178 health centers, ensuring that safety is always prioritized.
Guidance towards Patient Safety
In collaboration with WHO, Ministry of Health crafted its National Patient Safety Framework in 2019. Rooted in the ethos of a system-wide approach, this framework enshrines principles of monitoring, collaboration, sustainability, and patient-centricity, forming the bedrock of a resilient healthcare ecosystem. Conducting the ‘Harmonized Health Facility Assessment (HHFA)’ in collaboration with WHO offered a comprehensive assessment of the availability and capacity of healthcare facilities to deliver services at the required standards of quality. Through surveys conducted across public facilities, encompassing modules focusing on various aspects of healthcare delivery, including infrastructure, human resources, and service provision, a detailed baseline was established for all government facilities.
Education: Illuminating paths to safety
Through sensitization programs, patient safety symposiums, and specialized trainings, QARD works with healthcare professionals to equip them with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of patient safety. From point-of-care quality improvement to infection prevention and control, every initiative reinforces the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
One such training program that has made a significant impact is the emergency critical care training, designed to equip doctors with the necessary skills to respond effectively to life-threatening emergencies. Participants of this intensive training have not only gained invaluable insights into critical care management but have also developed the confidence and competence to handle high-stress situations. The application of skills acquired through ‘Codeblue’ training has proven instrumental in saving numerous lives across healthcare facilities in the Maldives.
Implementation: Bridging aspiration with action
Across every stage of care, patient safety permeates every aspect of healthcare delivery. Initiatives such as safe surgery protocols, medication safety practices, and blood safety measures underscore a comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring the well-being of patients. One cornerstone of Maldives' patient safety initiatives is the emphasis on safe surgery practices. Recognizing the critical importance of surgical procedures in patient outcomes, QARD works with healthcare providers to ensure adherence to standardized protocols to minimize risks. The implementation of the WHO’s Safe Surgery Checklist in some facilities supports equipping surgical teams with comprehensive tools to mitigate potential errors and enhance communication during procedures.
Blood safety is another paramount concern in the Maldives' patient safety agenda. Recognizing the critical role of blood transfusions in patient care, stringent protocols are in place to ensure the safety and efficacy of blood products. Especially given the high prevalence of thalassemia in the Maldives, ensuring the safety and adequacy of blood products is not just a matter of standard procedure but a lifeline for those living with the disorder.
Navigating challenges, celebrating milestones
Though the journey has not been without its challenges such as medication compliance and disease burdens, Maldives remains undeterred. World Patient Safety Days are a celebration of resilience, a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of every individual under their umbrella of care.
Towards a safer tomorrow
As Maldives charts its course towards the future, patient safety remains a high priority. With each initiative, each milestone, the team at QARD Ministry of Health reaffirms its pledge to excellence. Patient safety epitomizes not merely a destination but the fundamental essence of the healthcare journey. Through collaborative efforts, innovative methodologies, and unwavering commitment, these endeavors illuminate the pathway towards a future distinguished by heightened safety measures and enhanced health outcomes.