Introduction
Patient safety is one of the key focal points in the global healthcare system, and there’s no better time to discuss it than during a dedicated conference. On the second day of the ISQua conference, in-depth discussions on patient safety kicked off by dividing participants into five groups. Each group was tasked with presenting practical ideas for improving patient safety in hospitals, with Group 1 introducing a creative solution involving an application. This idea resonated with broader discussions on how technology can play a crucial role in preventing medication-related harm and enhancing the overall patient experience.
However, technology is just one piece of the larger puzzle of patient safety. As described in the Oxford Professional Practice: Handbook of Patient Safety, patient safety is a combination of technology, processes, and culture that work together to protect patients from preventable harm. Therefore, it is essential to see how ideas such as those presented by Group 1 can integrate with deeper patient safety theories.
Group 1 Innovation: Patient Safety through an Application
During the second session of ISQua, Group 1 presented a brilliant idea on how an application could be used to support patient safety in hospitals, particularly in preventing medication-related harms. They proposed an app that facilitates communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, making it easier for patients to give direct feedback on the care they receive. This app also includes features that allow family members to share their perspectives, with the hope that open communication would prevent medical errors.
Adding a creative touch, the group presented a rhyme they had created to emphasize the importance of listening to patients’ and families’ voices in safety efforts:
🎶 Patient voices, loud and clear,
Family feedback, we hold dear.
Through our app, share your views,
In simple words, we want to use. 🎶
🎶 Incentives spark the trust we seek,
Building bonds, strong and unique.
A feedback loop, a constant flow,
Together, we’ll improve and grow. 🎶
This rhyme encapsulates the essence of the patient safety approach they aimed to achieve with the app: patient and family involvement, transparency, and providing incentives to build trust. With improved communication and active family participation, it is hoped that the risks of medication errors could be significantly reduced.
Linking to Patient Safety Theories
The solution presented by Group 1 can be linked to several patient safety theories discussed in the Handbook of Patient Safety. For instance, James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model explains how a series of small failures at different layers of a system can lead to major accidents or medical incidents. The app proposed by Group 1 serves as one of the “cheese” layers that can help close the gaps in the patient safety system. By providing a platform for patients and families to communicate in real-time, this app has the potential to prevent small mistakes that, if left unchecked, could lead to more serious problems.
Moreover, the app also supports the concept of Patient-Centered Care, where the focus of care is not only on the patient’s medical condition but also on their emotional and psychosocial needs. When patients and families feel heard and valued, they are more likely to provide honest and timely feedback, which in turn helps improve safety and the quality of care. In this context, technology is not just a tool but a bridge connecting patients, families, and healthcare providers in a more collaborative framework.
Challenges in Implementing Technology for Patient Safety
While technology like the app presented by Group 1 has great potential to enhance patient safety, real-world challenges often arise during its implementation. Charles Perrow’s Normal Accidents theory emphasizes that complex systems tend to experience unexpected failures, and hospitals, as complex organizations, are no exception. The use of advanced technology such as this app might seem ideal on paper, but without proper training and regular monitoring, the system could add to the workload of already busy healthcare professionals.
For instance, if the app is not designed with a user-friendly interface or is not properly communicated to staff, healthcare providers may see it as an additional burden. Therefore, when adopting new technology, hospitals must pay close attention to training and the necessary organizational culture changes to ensure that everyone feels comfortable with the shifts brought about by the technology.
The Impact of Patient Safety on Society
Innovations like this patient safety app don’t just affect the hospital as an institution but also have a broader impact on society. When hospitals can successfully integrate technology that supports patient safety, public trust in healthcare services will increase. Patients will feel safer and more confident that the hospital where they receive care has mechanisms in place to minimize the risk of medical harm.
From a sociological perspective, Talcott Parsons’ functionalist theory highlights the importance of each element in society playing a role that supports social stability. Hospitals that function well in safeguarding patient safety contribute to the overall health and well-being of society. On the other hand, if patient safety is neglected, public trust in healthcare institutions can erode, ultimately affecting social balance.
Conclusion
The second day’s discussion at the ISQua conference offered fascinating insights into how patient safety can be improved through technology, particularly through an app that enables patients and families to provide feedback. Group 1 not only presented an idea but also reminded us of the importance of active patient involvement in maintaining their own safety.
However, as various patient safety theories have reminded us, technology will only be effective if supported by a strong safety culture and adequate training. Therefore, the implementation of a patient safety app must be carried out with careful planning, considering the challenges that may arise in the field.
Ultimately, patient safety is not the responsibility of a few individuals; it is a collective duty that involves everyone—from hospital staff to patients and their families. With a collaborative and innovative approach, patient safety can continue to improve, creating a safer healthcare environment for everyone.
By. Ahyar Wahyudi (LAFKI)
Berita