Communication Key to Improving Patient Safety

DUBLIN — Researchers in Spain have reported a complex picture of primary care patient safety across the country, with survey results highlighting a critical need for improved communication systems within healthcare teams. The findings of the SinergiAPS study, which surveyed 11,238 patients in 108 primary care centers, were presented here at the 29th WONCA Europe Conference by María-Pilar Astier-Peña, MD, general practitioner at Centro de Salud Tauste in Zaragoza, Spain, and professor at the University of Zaragoza.

More than half of the patients surveyed in the study reported at least one safety issue during the last 12 months.

“We try to implement checklists, protocols, and situational awareness to prevent errors and adverse events to patients associated with the healthcare we provide,” said Astier-Peña. “This is a professional and ethical commitment for both professionals and healthcare organizations.” 

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a 10 year Global Patient Safety Action Plan that aims to provide strategic direction for health sector policies and programs. The plan envisions a world where no one is harmed in healthcare and every patient receives safe and respectful care every time, everywhere. Within this plan, there are seven strategic objectives, and one of them is patient and family engagement.

“Our research focuses on these strategic objectives, aiming to engage and empower patients and families to support the journey to safe healthcare. We learn from patient experiences to drive safety improvements,” said Astier-Peña. 

Organizational Issues Herald Safety Breaches

The SinergiAPS study used the Patient Reported Experiences and Outcomes of Safety in Primary Care – Comprehensive questionnaire to assess patient safety through six scales, including patient activation (the knowledge and skills to manage one’s health), doctor-patient communication, and harm assessment. 

Notably, appointment scheduling (36%), doctor-patient communication (12%), and diagnostic errors (11%) were identified as the most frequent issues. Communication challenges between healthcare professionals from different fields also contributed to 10% of reported problems. 

One of the most significant findings of the study was that 15.6% of patients reported harm resulting from safety issues, with 7% experiencing physical harm, 6% mental health harm, and 5% social impairment. 

“Increased healthcare needs and economic expenses were among the consequences of these incidents,” noted Astier-Peña. 

The study also revealed that the patients most vulnerable to harm were those with multimorbidity, cognitive impairments, or severe physical limitations.

An audience member, David Morris, MD, general practitioner from Edmonton, Alberta, asked about future challenges in the field. Astier-Peña responded by emphasizing the need for ongoing patient engagement and of workshops that address communication issues and empower patients.

The SinergiAPS study findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient safety. The next phase will focus on implementing risk management strategies across participating centers and enhancing communication among healthcare teams.

María-Pilar Astier-Peña has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. 

Daniela Ovadia, MD, is the editor-in-chief of Univadis Italy, a Medscape Network platform.