This week, March 3-9, marks National Patient Safety Awareness Week and provides a good opportunity to discuss some key aspects related to patients’ safety and wellbeing. The overarching theme for National Patient Safety Awareness Week 2013 is “Patient Safety 7/365” which serves to remind health care professionals to keep patients’ safety and wellbeing top of mind seven days and week and365 days a year.

This year, the National Patient Safety Foundation is focused on addressing issues related to reducing medication errors and improving overall hospital safety. Each year, thousands of patients are adversely impacted by medication errors. These errors can include the administration of the incorrect medication or dosage or an adverse reaction to a medication caused by an allergy or drug interaction.

In an effort to reduce medication errors, many hospitals are taking steps to improve how information related to medications are tracked and coded. Additionally, hospitals and doctors often encourage patients to be informed about the medications and dosages they take and to keep a physical list of such medications which can be shared during routine appointments or in the event of an emergency.

Recent efforts to improve overall patient safety in hospitals and health care facilities include improved requirements related to hand washing and sterilization techniques. Hospital-acquired infections pose a major health risk to patients, especially those who already have a suppressed immune system. In recent years, so-called “super bugs” have caused concern among health care professionals and lead to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria that are often deadly.

While hospitals have strict policies related to hand washing and sanitation practices, patients should still feel empowered to request that individuals who enter their room wash hands. Additionally, patients who fear a room may not be sanitized properly can request additional measures be taken or wipe down room furniture and items with disinfectant wipes.

Source: Cortez Journal, “Patient Safety is hot topic in healthcare,” Kent Aikin, MD, Feb. 22, 2013