Geneva, Switzerland – September 17, marks World Patient Safety Day, a global call to action to prioritize patient safety and reduce avoidable harm in healthcare settings. This year’s focus is on the critical importance of accurate and timely diagnosis, with the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!”.
Diagnostic errors are a staggering concern, accounting for 16% of avoidable harm in all healthcare settings. A delayed, wrong, or missed diagnosis can have devastating consequences, including prolonged illness, long-term health problems, death, and increased healthcare costs.
Reaching an accurate diagnosis is a complex process involving patient discussion, examination, testing, and review of results. However, errors can occur at any stage, with significant repercussions.
“Get it right, make it safe!” emphasizes the pivotal role of correct and timely diagnosis in improving patient safety. Patients, families, health workers, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and civil society are joining forces to highlight the importance of this issue.
World Health Organization (WHO) officials stress that patient safety is a fundamental right, and accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensuring effective treatment and care.
As the global community comes together to address this critical issue, patients, families, and healthcare providers are urged to prioritize patient safety and work towards improving diagnostic processes.
By working together, we can reduce diagnostic errors and ensure that patients receive the safe, effective care they deserve.
Join the conversation on social media using #WorldPatientSafetyDay and #GetItRightMakeItSafe.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
