A Patient Driven Approach to Patient Safety Interventions

Abstract

Patient safety remains an important issue within healthcare delivery in the United States. Medical errors account for about 25000 to 400000 deaths, much more morbidities and a significant cost burden each year. Despite several interventions in the last decade, rates of adverse events have been slow to change. Healthcare providers believe that patients have significant roles to play in patient safety. Patients have a positive intention to participate in patient safety interventions. However, patients' intention to participate in patient safety does not significantly align with their behavior. Most available interventions are based on empirical evidence and incompletely applied theories and models of health behavior. This resulted in inadequate outcome of a behavior change. This article seeks to present a complete health belief model as a suitable model for adopting interventions that enhance patient independence in communication to enhance patient safety. This aims also bring forward patients concerns early while preserving patient doctor relationship.

Professionals’ beliefs in patient involvement for hospital safety

“…This belief, therefore, triggers attitudes and behaviors that generate greater adherence to care practices, a guiding component for improvements in health care. This concept provides an opportunity for the engagement of health professionals who contribute to the development of quality care and understanding of the environment and context in which care is developed (15)(16)(17) .…”