Every year, Patient Safety Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the importance of safe patient care practices. Organized by healthcare institutions and advocacy groups, like the Center for Patient Safety (CPS) and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), this week is dedicated to raising awareness, educating healthcare professionals, and empowering patients to play an active role in their safety.
Patient safety is the foundation of quality healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of patients worldwide suffer harm due to preventable medical errors, infections, misdiagnoses, and medication mistakes. In the U.S. alone, medical errors are among the leading causes of death. We can significantly reduce these risks and improve patient outcomes by promoting awareness and implementing best practices. This is a perfect time to highlight the importance of improving healthcare safety and encourage everyone to learn more about how we can all work together to improve healthcare safety on a larger scale.
While great work is being done, there is still much to do, and many dedicated professionals are working tirelessly to improve outcomes. This week allows us to celebrate those Patient Safety Professionals and the contributions they make every day to improve patient outcomes and healthcare quality. It is also an excellent opportunity to thank those healthcare professionals who have impacted you or your family by providing safe, effective, quality care when you needed it the most. And, if you are one of those healthcare professionals, it gives you an opportunity to spread awareness of the importance of patient safety and thank those who have mentored and encouraged you.
ASHRM, the American Society for Health Care Risk Management, has provided several resources you can utilize to recognize and celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week – March 9-15, 2025 in your organization. You can find resources at PSAW 2025, including free tools such as Patient Safety Webinars, a virtual issue of the Journal of Health Care Risk Management, Medication Safety Tip Sheets, RCA Guides, and much more!
For our partners, we would love to hear your feedback on the importance of Patient Safety.
• What is most meaningful about the healthcare work you do?
• What initiatives are you implementing to focus on Patient Safety?
• How are you making Patient Safety a priority at your organization?
This Patient Safety Awareness Week, we’re celebrating all professionals who ensure the safety of patients as they progress through the continuum of care at our hospitals and health centers. We know it takes the entire healthcare team to provide excellent outcomes! If you are an Inspirien or HWCF partner, we have several resources available to you on your journey to improving patient safety. We offer surveys, classes, assessments, reviews, and other services included with your coverage. For more information, please contact our Risk Management Team at riskmanagement@inspirien.net.