World Patient Safety Day in the United States

Date: September 17th

History: World Patient Safety Day was established by the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019. It aims to raise global awareness about patient safety and encourage international solidarity and action. While it is an international observance, the United States, along with other member states, participates actively to promote safety in healthcare.

Traditions: In the U.S., World Patient Safety Day is marked by a range of activities that typically include:

• Educational Seminars and Workshops: Healthcare institutions and organizations host events to educate professionals and the public on best practices for patient safety.

• Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns are run through social media and other platforms highlighting this year's theme and sharing stories or statistics illustrating the importance of patient safety.

• Lighting Up Monuments: As part of a global campaign, landmarks may be lit up in orange to symbolize a commitment to patient safety.

• Policy Discussions: There may be conferences or roundtables involving policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient advocacy groups to discuss improvements in patient safety protocols.

What People Do:

• Healthcare professionals participate in training sessions focused on improving patient care.

• Hospitals review their procedures and implement new strategies aimed at minimizing risks.

• Patients engage with healthcare providers to learn more about how they can participate in their own care safely.

The observance serves as an opportunity for individuals and organizations across the healthcare spectrum to come together and share knowledge with a unified goal of reducing preventable patient harm.