Safety solutions released by the World Health Organization

AORN Journal,  Nov, 2007  

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has Launched an initiative titled "Nine patient safety solutions" to help reduce health care-related harm worldwide, according to a May 2, 2007, news release from the WHO. An estimated one in 10 patients worldwide are affected by medical errors, and the nine safety solutions are intended to help reduce the number of medical errors seen in many countries.

The WHO has made the nine solutions available in an accessible form to WHO Member Slates to use in redesigning and improving patient care processes. The solutions fall under the topics of

* look-alike, sound-alike medication names;

* patient identification;

* communication during patient hand-ors;

* performance of correct procedures at correct body sites;

* control of concentrated electrolyte solutions;

* assuring medication accuracy at transitions in care;

* avoiding catheter and tubing misconnections;

* single use of injection devices; and

* improved hand hygiene to prevent health care-associated infections.

The nine interventions are based on information that has been shown to prevent harm from occurring during health-related care in some countries. They were identified by more than 50 patient safety Leaders and experts from around the world and were field reviewed by Leading patient safety organizations, accrediting bodies, ministries of health, international health professional organizations, and other experts.

WHO launches "Nine patient safety solutions" [news release]. Washington, DC/Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; Hay 2, 2007. http://www.who.int /mediacentre/news/releases/2007/pr22/en/index.html. Accessed May 7, 2007.

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