Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Annually observed on September 17, World Patient Safety Day calls for unified global action, urging healthcare professionals, patients, families, and policymakers to collaborate to safeguard safer healthcare practices, an effort initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
On the occasion, Raya Zayadeen, Senior Manager of Quality and Patient Safety at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) and HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, shared insights with Aletihad about the key patient safety risks and how they address them.
“At ICLDC, one of the top patient safety risks involves managing chronic diseases like diabetes safely and effectively. We address these risks by adhering to evidence-based guidelines and emphasising continuous training for staff and patients. We also monitor medication safety closely, ensuring correct prescriptions and dosages, and promote transparent reporting to enhance patient safety.”
ICLDC employs an electronic prescribing system, regular audits, pharmacist-led reviews, as well as education on medication management to prevent errors.
Zayadeen added that, for procedures like ophthalmology and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is used to verify patient identity, confirm the procedure, and conduct a formal time-out process before surgery, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
ICLDC also follows stringent infection prevention protocols, including strict hand hygiene, sterile techniques, and continuous training to minimise infection risks.
Involving patients in their own safety, the centre engages them through certified diabetes educators and a Patient and Family Advisory Committee, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making and safety strategies.
Zayadeen noted that ICLDC’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system enhances care with real-time alerts, clinical decision support tools, and data analytics.
She also said that ICLDC demonstrates its commitment to patient safety through executive leadership rounds that follow the IHI model and the STEEP framework.
“These rounds allow leaders to engage directly with staff and patients, addressing safety concerns and identifying areas for improvement in real time. Additionally, our Clinical Governance Committee ensures a structured approach to monitoring and improving clinical safety and quality across the organisation. The committee oversees the implementation of safety initiatives, incident reporting, and adherence to clinical guidelines, ensuring alignment with best practices,” she added.
In addition, ICLDC fosters safety through initiatives like Good Catch programme, promoting staff reporting of potential issues, and maintaining a robust communication structure for incident reporting.
In the same vein, Dr. Shiny Narayanan, Quality and Patient Safety Manager at Amana Healthcare, shared with Aletihad the primary patient safety risks in healthcare, including medication errors, infections, diagnostic errors, and unsafe care transitions.
“To avoid these risks, we take a proactive, systems-based approach that emphasises prevention, education, and continuous improvement. This includes implementing robust safety protocols, conducting regular staff training, engaging patients in their care, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement focused on reducing preventable harm.”
Amana Healthcare uses AI-driven patient monitoring systems and collaborations with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to improve service delivery. They implement safety protocols, use Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Computerised Physician Order Entry (CPOE), pharmacy verification, staff training, and standardised patient identification for accurate treatment.
“Our safety initiatives include a rigorous programme aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infections by implementing strict protocols, improving sanitation practices, and continuously monitoring infection rates,” Dr. Narayanan explained.
She further highlighted that the long-term care population faces a high fall risk globally, prompting the development of a fall prevention programme involving individualised risk assessments, environmental adjustments, and rehabilitation interventions.
This is complemented by engaging patients and their families in care planning and decision-making to ensure safety and satisfaction. Regular conferences and a feedback system allow residents and families to report safety concerns. The Just Culture model fosters open communication and continuous learning. Accreditation audits and strict compliance with US and international standards ensure high quality and safety of care, according to Dr. Narayanan.
Amana Healthcare improves patient care with advanced facilities and personalised rehabilitation, using cutting-edge technology for accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments, especially for complex cases like brain and spinal cord injuries, she said.
Their person-centred approach includes Amana Village and Home Care for chronic and post-surgical needs, and comprehensive in-patient rehabilitation. Safety measures include Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), pharmacy verification, staff training, and patient education to minimise medication errors and enhance safety.
“At Amana Healthcare, patient safety and care are enhanced through several patient-centred approaches. Patients and their families actively participate in creating personalised care plans that reflect their preferences and medical history, which empowers them to take ownership of their care. We provide regular education to patients about their conditions and treatment options, helping them understand their role in maintaining safety and encouraging open communication with the care team,” Dr. Narayanan said.
