Assessment of three "who" patient safety solutions: Where do we stand and what can we do?

Abstract

Background: Most medical errors are preventable. The aim of this study was to compare the current execution of the 3 patient safety solutions with WHO suggested actions and standards.

Methods: Data collection forms and direct observation were used to determine the status of implementation of existing protocols, resources, and tools.

Results: In the fi eld of patient hand-over, there was no standardized approach. In the fi eld of the performance of correct procedure at the correct body site, there were no safety checklists, guideline, and educational content for informing the patients and their families about the procedure. In the fi eld of hand hygiene (HH), although availability of necessary resources was acceptable, availability of promotional HH posters and reminders was substandard.

Conclusions: There are some limitations of resources, protocols, and standard checklists in all three areas. We designed some tools that will help both wards to improve patient safety by the
implementation of adapted WHO suggested actions.

Keywords: Correct procedure at correct body site, hand hygiene, patient hand-over, patient safety