By: Vishal Mehta, B.Pharm, RPh

We have faith in our healthcare system. When we need medical attention, we put our well-being in the hands of professionals. Trust is well-placed, but blind faith can sometimes be dangerous. After all, we are all human, and anyone can make a mistake.

In 2017, the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) conducted an independent study1 of patient safety, and the results were disturbing. They found patient safety incidents (PSIs) were the third highest cause of patient deaths behind cancer and heart disease, with infections being the primary driver in acute care settings and traumas like falls leading the way for home care. Researchers predicted that “Over the next 30 years, it is expected that a PSI will occur in Canada nearly every minute, and a resulting death nearly every 13 minutes.

Who, then, is responsible for your safety while undergoing medical care? The short answer is …  you! October 24th – 28th is Canadian Patient Safety Week 2022, and this year’s theme is Press Play on Safety Conversations. CPSI encourages everyone to ask questions, listen, act on patient safety, and pay special attention to the care of older adults. Our vulnerable senior patients need a voice, especially in today’s overwhelmed care facilities.

The campaign aims to partner with healthcare professionals and advocates in safeguarding patients undergoing medical care. But awareness is always the first step toward change, and safety is a worthy conversation.

For more information about how you can help, visit www.healthcareexcellence.ca or contact the Canadian Patient Safety Institute.