WHO launches patient safety campaign

The World Health Organization (WHO) observed the first World Patient Safety Day Sept. 17 as part of a campaign to make patient safety a global health priority. WHO is encouraging patients, health professionals, policymakers and industry leaders to “Speak up for patient safety!” Focused safety improvements save billions of dollars annually in the United States, according to the organization, in addition to improving health outcomes. The chairman of the American Hospital Association (AHA) expressed support for the campaign, saying the AHA is working with policymakers “to align three core components of hospital quality—quality measurement, quality improvement and conditions of participation and standards.” Cities around the world lit up local structures in orange Sept. 17 in a show of support for creating care environments that reduce patient harm. Fact sheets and other information about the campaign are posted on a dedicated webpage. (WHO news release, 9/13/19)