The Ministry of Health has launched a safe surgery policy based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist, which includes a comprehensive checklist that all healthcare professionals must follow in the operating room, covering steps before administering anaesthesia, before starting surgery and after surgery, to minimise risks associated with surgical procedures.
Doctors and nurses are urged to familiarise themselves with the steps outlined in the policy and incorporate them into their daily practices.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar emphasised the importance of adhering to the policy during his remarks as the guest of honour at the World Patient Safety Day celebration at Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong District.
The World Patient Safety Day 2024 celebration in the Sultanate aims to raise public awareness on the critical issue of patient safety.
This year’s theme, ‘Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety’, focuses on the importance of accurate diagnosis in healthcare to safeguard patients.
The minister highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis in ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment, thereby preventing life-threatening complications.
“Globally, millions of cases each year are affected by inaccurate diagnosis, leading to severe outcomes, including inappropriate treatment, the neglect of critical health conditions and in some cases, death,” said the minister.
Citing data from the United States, he said, “It is estimated that more than 12 million adults experience misdiagnosis annually. This global issue requires urgent attention, not only due to the increasing cost of treatment but also because it prolongs hospital stay and can have psychological effects on both patients and their families.”
The minister stressed that interventions are necessary to enhance patient safety, including measures to protect patients from infections and errors within the healthcare system. He noted that medical errors are one of the leading causes of preventable complications and deaths.
Several key objectives have been outlined to improve patient safety, which include: infection prevention, ensuring strict adherence to hand hygiene and equipment sterilisation; surgical safety, using a surgery checklist to guarantee all safety procedures are followed; accurate medication management, ensuring patients receive the correct medicine and dosage at the appropriate time; improving diagnosis accuracy, to ensure patients receive suitable and effective treatment; and enhancing communication among healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring patients are adequately informed about procedures and associated risks.
The minister reminded healthcare professionals that, “patient safety is not only a responsibility; it is a commitment we make to each other. By prioritising patient safety, we honour the trust patients place in us and strive to ensure their well-being”. – James Kon
