Patient safety and quality of care are crucial aspects of health care delivery. Learn what they mean, and why they matter.
Patient safety and quality of care are two interrelated concepts that define the effectiveness and efficiency of health care services.
They are also important indicators of patient satisfaction and health outcomes. In this article, we will explain what patient safety and quality of care mean, why they are important, and how pharmacy apps for patients can help improve them.
What is patient safety?
Patient safety is the prevention of errors and adverse events that may harm patients during the provision of health care.
Some examples of patient safety issues include:
Medication errors, such as prescribing, dispensing, or administering the wrong drug, dose, or route
Healthcare-associated infections, such as those acquired from surgical procedures, catheters, or ventilators
Diagnostic errors, such as misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or missed diagnosis
Surgical errors, such as wrong site, wrong-procedure, or wrong-patient surgery
Transfusion errors, such as giving incompatible blood products or transmitting infections
Falls, pressure ulcers, or other injuries caused by inadequate care or equipment
What is the quality of care?
Quality of care is the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes.
It is based on evidence-based professional knowledge and is critical for achieving universal health coverage. According to the WHO, quality health services should be:
Effective – providing evidence-based healthcare services to those who need them
Safe – avoiding harm to people for whom the care is intended
People-centered – providing care that responds to individual preferences, needs, and values
Timely – reducing waiting times and sometimes harmful delays
Equitable – providing care that does not vary in quality on account of gender, ethnicity, geographic location, and socio-economic status
Integrated – providing care that makes available the full range of health services throughout the life course
Efficient – maximizing the benefit of available resources and avoiding waste
Why are patient safety and quality of care important?
Patient safety and quality of care are important for several reasons:
They affect the health and well-being of patients and their families
Poor patient safety and quality of care can lead to physical, psychological, social, and financial harm.
On the other hand, good patient safety and quality of care can improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, trust, and loyalty.
They influence the performance and reputation of health care providers and organizations
Poor patient safety and quality of care can result in legal liabilities, regulatory sanctions, financial losses, and reputational damage.
On the other hand, good patient safety and quality of care can enhance professional standards, accreditation status, market share, and competitive advantage.
They contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of health systems
Poor patient safety and quality of care can increase the burden of disease, disability, and mortality.
They can also generate unnecessary costs due to wastage, duplication, overuse, or misuse of resources.
On the other hand, good patient safety and quality of care can reduce the need for hospitalization, re-admission, or re-treatment. They can also optimize the use of resources and improve value for money.
How can pharmacy apps for patients help improve patient safety and quality of care?
Pharmacy apps for patients are mobile applications that allow users to access various pharmacy-related services through their smartphones or tablets.
Some examples of pharmacy apps for patients are:
Prescription drug apps that let users order, refill, or transfer their prescriptions online or have them delivered to their homes or offices
Drug guide apps that provide users with information on drug indications, dosages, interactions, side effects, warnings, and more
Medication reminder apps that help users keep track of their medication schedules and adherence
Pharmacy discount apps that offer users coupons or savings on their medication purchases
Pharmacy locator apps that help users find nearby pharmacies or compare prices
Pharmacy apps for patients can help improve patient safety and quality of care by:
Enhancing convenience and accessibility
Pharmacy apps for patients make it easier for users to obtain their medications without having to visit a physical pharmacy.
This saves time and transportation costs and also reduces exposure to potential infections or hazards.
Pharmacy apps for patients also enable users to access reliable information on their medications anytime and anywhere.
Improving medication management and adherence
Pharmacy apps for patients help users manage their medication regimens more effectively.
They provide reminders, alerts, instructions, feedback, and support to help users take their medications correctly and consistently.
Pharmacy apps for patients also allow users to track their medication history, progress, and outcomes.
Promoting patient education and empowerment
Pharmacy apps for patients empower users to take charge of their own health by providing them with relevant and personalized information on their medications and conditions.
They also encourage users to communicate with their pharmacists, doctors, or other healthcare providers and ask questions or report problems.
Pharmacy apps for patients also enable users to share their experiences and feedback with other users or communities.
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