Engaging Patients in Patient Safety: Chapter 2 - Partners at the Point of Care

It shows that the organization is worthy of our trust and that the needs of the patient and family are paramount.”1 Patient safety requires that patients and families partner with providers to prevent patient safety incidents. [...] Providers are open to suggestions and comments from patients and families and they openly invite patients to voice concerns and ask questions. [...] Engaging patients can help prevent or reduce patient safety risks by: Teaching everyone involved how to identify safety risks and take steps to prevent an incident Improving communication between patients and their healthcare providers and among providers on the healthcare team Involving families as care team members and encouraging their presence throughout the care journey, according to th [...] Patients and families should be invited and encouraged to provide insights about the way processes influence safety and the care experience (e.g., prescribing and giving medication, transitioning care from one unit to another and to or from home). [...] Healthcare providers and the organization take immediate action to reduce further harm, and to provide practical and emotional support to the patient and the family.