The Patient Engagement Imperative
The Patient Engagement Imperative
Since the Institute of Medicine Report To Err is Human was published more than a decade ago, progress toward reducing errors and improving patient safety has been slow. A key ingredient that has sometimes been overlooked in safety initiatives is effective patient/family involvement in care and decision making. Historically, we have not always given patients the voice that they should have in questioning the care that they are receiving. Research compiled by organizations such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) indicates that when patients are engaged in their care, it can lead to measurable improvements in safety and quality. To promote stronger patient engagement, AHRQ has developed A Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety. This guide is an evidence-based resource that can help nurses to work as partners with patients and families.
Dave deBronkart offers three practical suggestions for nurses in his book, Let Patients Help, to improve patient safety through patient engagement:
Patient Engagement = Safer and Higher Quality Care
Since the Institute of Medicine Report To Err is Human was published more than a decade ago, progress toward reducing errors and improving patient safety has been slow. A key ingredient that has sometimes been overlooked in safety initiatives is effective patient/family involvement in care and decision making. Historically, we have not always given patients the voice that they should have in questioning the care that they are receiving. Research compiled by organizations such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) indicates that when patients are engaged in their care, it can lead to measurable improvements in safety and quality. To promote stronger patient engagement, AHRQ has developed A Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety. This guide is an evidence-based resource that can help nurses to work as partners with patients and families.
Dave deBronkart offers three practical suggestions for nurses in his book, Let Patients Help, to improve patient safety through patient engagement:
Allow patients to proofread their medical records.
When patients or families want to check the medications that you are giving – welcome it.
When patients say, "I did not see you wash your hands," thank them and do it.
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