Most of the time, contact with health services and interactions with service providers are positive experiences. But, other times, things do not go as planned.
The Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety (MIPS) has a mandate to promote patient safety in Manitoba, and to help increase awareness of healthcare-related safety issues. Patient[1] safety is about taking action to prevent harm to patients from healthcare services. In Canada and around the world, there are significant numbers of people who are harmed or who die as a result of their healthcare and not the treatment process or risks involved. In fact, preventable patient safety incidents were the third leading cause of death in Canada in 2013, behind cancer and heart disease.
“Patients, families, and members of the general public have a particularly important role to play in patient safety, but advocating for oneself in healthcare doesn’t necessarily come naturally,” says Laurie Thompson, Executive Director, MIPS. “You may not fully know the importance of being engaged in your healthcare or that you have rights in healthcare. Or, maybe a family member, friend, or neighbour has recently asked you to be a second set of eyes and ears as they navigate the healthcare system. We can help you learn to be an advocate.”
MIPS staff and volunteers deliver free patient safety presentations based on their S.A.F.E. (Self-Advocacy for Everyone) Toolkit to workplaces and community groups, teaching participants how to
engage with their healthcare providers and team, as well as how to ask questions, be informed, choose and be a patient advocate, and take part in healthcare decision-making.
Health systems are evolving to approach care and service based on partnerships with the public/patients and families. Everyone in your organization should be prepared to partner when they have contact with the healthcare system because:[2]
- It is the safe thing to do –At some point we all need to access the healthcare system. Patients and families know their symptoms, health history, and typical circumstances better than anyone else. Plus, being engaged in the conversation is an investment in well-being.
- It is the creative thing to do – Patients and families can take active roles in healthcare decisions, and will bring innovative ideas and unique perspectives to the team.
- It is the required thing to do – New healthcare standards require engagement in organizations such as regional health authorities.
Interested in booking a free patient safety presentation for your workplace or community group? MIPS can tailor presentations to your group’s specific needs (topics and available time allocation — over coffee, 1 hour, or a half-day), and they complement the information with resources and tools that support patient engagement.
[1] The term “patient” means members of the public who access and receive health services (now or in the future) by a healthcare provider in any setting
[1] Patient Engagement Action Team, 2017. Engaging Patients in Patient Safety – A Canadian Guide. Canadian Patient Safety Institute. Last modified February 2018. Available at:https://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/en/toolsResources/Patient-Engagement-in-Patient-Safety-Guide/Pages/default.aspx
[1] The term “patient” means members of the public who access and receive health services (now or in the future) by a healthcare provider in any setting
[2] Patient Engagement Action Team, 2017. Engaging Patients in Patient Safety – A Canadian Guide. Canadian Patient Safety Institute. Last modified February 2018. Available at:https://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/en/toolsResources/Patient-Engagement-in-Patient-Safety-Guide/Pages/default.aspx
