The report highlights persistent challenges and opportunities for patient safety improvement worldwide. It has paid particular attention to the pace of change in patient safety globally, the impact of gaps in data, and shared learning and best practices that can inform stronger national patient safety systems. It also sets out strategic “ambitions” to guide countries in improving safety governance, implementation, patient involvement, and data use to drive safer care.
Following the launch of the report, Dr Rosie Benneyworth, Interim Chief Executive comments on its findings saying:
“The report presents an essential global view of patient safety. The minimal shifts in OECD country rankings highlight that more needs to be done to accelerate the pace of meaningful change. We echo the report’s call for collaboration across regions and disciplines and note that reducing avoidable harm is a shared responsibility that extends well beyond regulatory compliance or isolated initiatives, and that patients, families, and carers must be active partners in the delivery of safe care.
“The report shines a light on the continued inequity gaps in healthcare – the high excess mortality rate for people with severe mental health illness is troubling. Behind the rates and numbers are patients and families experiencing devastating events. As the report advocates for, a preventative approach and continuity along a person’s pathway of care, however complex, is an important part of tackling the issues seen far too often.
“The data gaps referenced in the report findings are a consistent issue we see across our investigations. We have repeatedly made findings and recommendations to draw attention to the absence of robust data and the resulting impact. Safety is not defined by performance metrics alone. It depends on using meaningful insights to understand risks and manage them proactively, so health systems can monitor, learn from, and act on the risks patients face each day.
“We support the 16 national safety ambitions set out in the report, particularly the principles of safety culture and safety science, including routine open disclosure, restorative practice, and just culture after incidents, and the integration of patient safety science into education and professional development.
The report reinforces that safety is a complex challenge requiring evidence-based solutions and sustained collaboration. It reaffirms our commitment to working with partners across the system to support system-level safety management and to deliver insights and recommendations that lead to real improvements for patients and public trust in care.”
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