World Patient Safety Day, Empathy at the Heart of Improving Diagnosis

World Patient Safety Day, Empathy at the Heart of Improving Diagnosis

Today is World Patient Safety Day, and in line with this year's theme, "Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety," ?We want to approach this critical subject through the lens of empathy.

As healthcare professionals, it’s easy to become detached from the human side of what we do. The tasks we perform, no matter how important, can become routine, robotic, and impersonal, as long as we tick off our to-do lists. However, we believe empathy is essential in delivering care that not only enhances the patient experience but also ensures that we perform our duties with accuracy, reducing the likelihood of unsafe care.

When we take the time to put ourselves in the shoes of our patients or their loved ones, we naturally become more attentive. We make sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. This empathetic approach, no matter where you are in the patient care chain, ensures that what needs to be done is done—and done correctly.

For instance, the front desk staff will ensure that patient information is accurately captured. The triage nurse will meticulously note the correct vitals. This patient-centered attention to detail continues through the patient’s journey, from admission to discharge. As a result, the outcomes of such practices lead to:

1. Reduced mortality rates.
2. Improved patient safety outcomes, such as fewer pressure sores and lower rates of hospital-acquired infections.
3. Decreased hospital readmissions.
4. Higher patient satisfaction.
5. Timelier care delivery.
6. More efficient use of medical imaging, with appropriate tests ordered based on evidence-based practice.

As we commemorate World Patient Safety Day, We urge fellow healthcare workers to embody empathy in their daily practices. Remember, as the late Philly Bongole Lutaya once sang, "Today it’s me, tomorrow it’s someone else." One day, we or our loved ones could be on the other side of that hospital bed.

By integrating empathy into patient care, we not only improve diagnoses but also contribute to a safer, more compassionate healthcare system.

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Written by: Jackie Nabukeera

Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality