Ways to decrease error in care between nurses and patients (IPSG) international patient safety goals.

  Author: Mudasir Mustafa, Did his generic BSN from Ziauddin University, currently enrolled in MSC Nursing from Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan. Also working in Indus Hospital Karachi for the last 3 years.

Patient safety is a top priority in healthcare, and one of the key components of patient safety is reducing errors in care between nurses and patients. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) developed the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG) to help healthcare organizations improve patient safety and reduce the incidence of medical errors. In this blog, we will explore the IPSG goals and how they can be applied to decrease errors in care between nurses and patients.

Goal 1: Identify patients correctly One of the most basic steps in preventing errors is to correctly identify the patient. Nurses should always verify the patient's identity using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, before administering medication or performing a procedure. This can be achieved by using barcode scanning or other electronic identification systems. Nurses should also ensure that patient information is accurately recorded in the electronic health record (EHR) to prevent confusion or errors in care.

Goal 2: Improve communication Effective communication is crucial to reducing errors in care between nurses and patients. Nurses should use clear and concise language when explaining procedures, medications, or treatments to patients. They should also encourage patients to ask questions if they don't understand anything. In addition, nurses should ensure that patient information is effectively communicated between healthcare providers to prevent miscommunication and errors.

Goal 3: Use medicines safely Medication errors are one of the most common types of errors in healthcare. To prevent medication errors, nurses should follow established medication administration policies and procedures. This includes checking medication labels against the patient's chart to ensure that the right medication is being given to the right patient in the right dose. Nurses should also be aware of potential drug interactions and adverse effects of medications and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.

Goal 4: Prevent infections Infections can have serious consequences for patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Nurses should follow infection control policies and procedures, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surfaces. Nurses should also educate patients and their families about infection prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

Goal 5: Identify patient safety risks Identifying patient safety risks can help to prevent errors in care. Nurses should conduct regular assessments to identify potential safety risks for patients, such as falls, pressure ulcers, or medication errors. They should also be alert to changes in the patient's condition and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.

Goal 6: Reduce the risk of patient harm from falls Falls can cause serious injuries, particularly in older adults. Nurses should conduct fall risk assessments for all patients and implement appropriate fall prevention strategies, such as bed alarms, non-slip footwear, and bed rails. Nurses should also educate patients and their families about fall prevention strategies and encourage them to ask for assistance when getting out of bed or moving around.

In conclusion, reducing errors in care between nurses and patients is essential for improving patient safety. The IPSG goals provide a framework for healthcare organizations to improve patient safety and prevent errors in care. By following these goals, nurses can help to reduce errors in medication administration, improve communication, prevent infections, identify patient safety risks, and prevent falls. Ultimately, by prioritizing patient safety and implementing best practices, healthcare organizations can provide high-quality care that promotes the best outcomes for patients. 

References:

HCI. (2023). Focusing on the International Patient Safety Goals. HCI. https://hci.care/focusingon-the-international-patient-safety-goals

National Academies Press (US). (2009). System Strategies to Improve Patient Safety and Error

Prevention. Resident Duty Hours - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK214937