Event Series:
World Patient Safety Day
World Patient Safety Day
September 17, 2027
September 17 is World Patient Safety Day
World Patient Safety Day calls for global solidarity in patient safety. For example, the day brings together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, health care leaders and policy-makers. On this day they show their commitment to patient safety. The resolution WHA 72.6 ‘Global action on patient safety’ recognizes patient safety as a global health priority. It also endorses the establishment of World Patient Safety Day. World Patient Safety Day occurs annually on September 17. Wear an orange ribbon, pin or wristband on World Patient Safety Day.
Patient Engagement on World Patient Safety Day
Patient and family engagement is a pivotal strategy to advance safety in healthcare. As users of the healthcare system with first-hand experience of the entire patient journey, the perspectives of patients, families and caregivers are invaluable. Their voices help to improve patient safety.
The impact of meaningful patient engagement is remarkable. Studies show a potential reduction in the burden of harm by up to 15%, saving countless lives and billions of dollars each year. Therefore, patient and family engagement is important as a fundamental principle in the World Health Assembly resolution (WHA72.6) on Global action on patient safety. It is also embedded in the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030.
World Patient Safety Day 2023’s theme is “Engaging patients for patient safety.” The day aims to influence stakeholders. These include patients, families, policy makers, health care leaders, health workers and patient organizations. They work collaboratively toward co-designing health care policies and safety interventions. These polices are those that truly reflect the needs and preferences of patients. This will ultimately enhance healthcare safety globally.
Key Topics on World Patient Safety Day
Safe health care is a fundamental right of all patients, everywhere, every time. And yet, patient harm due to unsafe care is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Millions of patients are harmed every year.
Patient and family engagement is a key strategy to developing safer health systems. Safe health care depends on the full involvement of patients and families. They are users of the health care system. This requires a shift from care designed for patients to care designed with patients.
Patients and families should be involved at every level of health care, from fully informed consent and shared decision-making at the point of care, to policy-making and planning.
No one should be harmed in health care. We must elevate the voice of patients, and we must listen and learn. Everybody has a role to play: policy-makers, health care leaders, health and care workers, patients and their families, patient advocates, and civil society.
Light up a Monument
Lights, camera, orange! It’s time to shine a spotlight on patient and family engagement for safer care across the globe through lighting up of buildings, landmarks and monuments in the color orange on September 17. WHO will illuminate the iconic Jet d’Eau in Geneva echoing its commitment to the cause. Let’s raise our collective voices to “Elevate the voice of patients”.
Join us on this momentous occasion and light up the world in orange!
