WHO launches online patient safety survey

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is launching an online survey for its Collaborating Centre for Patient Safety to determine the final content for the 2008 Patient Safety Solutions paper.

The organisation says it wants all member state citizens to participate since its findings will be distributed to all WHO member states, and could help to prepare them for widespread adoption.

A WHO spokesperson told E-Health Europe: “The international internet-based field survey that we are now launching is one of the most critical stages in the solutions development process. We specifically seek opinions from the international community regarding the content, feasibility, and applicability of these solutions.

“We are also interested in input as to potential barriers to using the solutions and ways in which the solutions may need to be adapted to accommodate cultural realities in different regions of the world.”

The 14 page survey hopes to help to create a list of solutions which can be adopted worldwide in a bid to improve patient safety – a top priority of the WHO.

Tens of millions of patients worldwide are estimated by the WHO to endure disabling injuries or death each year, directly attributed to unsafe medical practices and care. In Europe alone, an average of one in every 10 patients admitted to hospital suffers some form of preventable harm.

It hopes that by using the latest advances in IT it can undertake more advanced research to better understand the full impact of poor patient safety.

Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer for UK’s Department of Health, who chairs the WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety, said: “Research in patient safety offers all WHO Member States a major innovative resource to assist their hospitals in avoiding harm from medical care and ensure that health care reduces patient suffering and does not contribute to it. European countries now have the opportunity to translate research findings into tangible actions that can actually save lives.”

A WHO spokesperson added: “Patient safety is a serious global concern, with successive studies showing that errors occur in around 10% of hospitalisations. Improving patient safety depends on effective and sustained policies and programmes being in place within every healthcare setting including the home, community and hospital.”

The survey can be accessed at www.jcipatientsafety.org/survey. The deadline for submitting responses is 29 February 2008.

Joe Fernandez