The 5th World Patient Safety Day

The 7th Thailand Patient and Personnel Safety Day

Under the theme "Engaging patients for patient safety"

Executive Summary

         On September 17, 2023, at the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, a significant event took place. It marked both the 5th World Patient Safety Day and the 7th Thailand Patient Safety Day, with a central theme of "Engaging Patients for Patient Safety." The Healthcare Accreditation Institute (Public Organization), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and 16 health network partners, impeccably organized this event.

        During the event, Mr. Santi Prompat, Deputy Minister of Public Health, delivered a special lecture on "Driving the Strategy for Safety" and introduced the "Strategy for Driving Safety Policy: Patient, Personnel, and People Safety, Phase 2 - 3P Safety Strategy." This strategy aligns with Thailand's commitment to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and coincides with World Patient Safety Day. The ultimate objective is to transition toward a comprehensive healthcare and safety service system that is accessible to all. Mr. Prompat also presented certificates to 107 hospitals that participated in the 3P Safety Hospital Project in 2023.

       In this context, comprehensive guidelines have been outlined within the 3P Safety strategy, which will be presented to the Minister. A key factor in the successful implementation of safety measures in Thailand's healthcare system, acknowledged by the WHO and countries worldwide, has been the support and endorsement of senior leaders. Consequently, the policy announcement, which has been driving various strategies in the past, has successfully garnered support from various organizations and agencies. Therefore, the policy announcement to elevate safety to 3P Safety is a significant step that will enable Thailand to shape a healthcare system prioritizing safety and societal well-being, ensuring equal participation for all. This transformation begins at the hospital level to collaboratively continue our concrete development efforts.

Open Remark: Piyawan Limpanyalert, MD.

The Chief Executive Officer of The Healthcare Accreditation Institute (Public Organization)

“Together, we unite and persist in our dedicated journey. The policy shift towards 3P Safety standards marks a pivotal milestone, empowering Thailand to craft a healthcare system that champions safety and the welfare of society, with inclusivity spanning all strata of the population. The transformation commences within hospitals and extends its promise outward, towards a safer future for all.”

       Thailand prioritizes patient and personnel safety with a comprehensive policy. Phase 1 (2018-2022) established national safety goals, implemented through SIMPLE practice guidelines in 950 hospitals. New members joined, becoming 2P Safety Hospitals, emphasizing patient and staff welfare.

      Thailand promotes a safety culture, utilizing the National Reporting and Learning System: NRLS for monitoring and knowledge sharing. The 3P Safety strategy, presented at the World Ministerial Forum in Switzerland, underscores senior leader support and global recognition. The policy to elevate safety to 3P Safety aims for a healthcare system prioritizing safety and societal well-being. This transformation begins at the hospital level and extends outward.

        Now, it is imperative that we unite to continue our dedicated and tangible efforts. The policy announcement to elevate our safety standards to 3P Safety marks a significant milestone. It will empower Thailand to develop a healthcare system that prioritizes safety and the well-being of society, with equal participation from all segments of the population. This transformation begins at the hospital level and radiates outward.

Open Remark & Spoken Discourse: Mr. Santi Promphat

The Deputy Minister of Public Health

“Commendation to all participating medical facilities for their commitment to developing a high-quality, safety-focused service system. Thailand transitions from 2P Safety to 3P Safety, emphasizing safety for all, including patients, personnel, and the public. This aligns with Thailand's goal of a healthcare system prioritizing quality and safety. Full support is pledged to position Thailand as a global leader in 3P Safety.”

        Mr. Santi emphasized, "This year, the World Health Organization places significant emphasis on actively involving patients and their relatives in all aspects of their safety. The central focus is on nurturing patient participation, which extends to encompass their families and relatives, thus ensuring comprehensive safety. This shift in perspective is reshaping how we approach patient care. Instead of a unilateral approach exclusively for patients, we are now embracing a collaborative model perfectly aligned with the 'Engaging Patients for Patient Safety' concept. This strategy aims to actively involve patients, families, and the wider public in safeguarding patient well-being. It serves as a pivotal component of the 2021-2030 Global Patient Safety Action Plan, with the ultimate goal of mitigating vulnerabilities within the healthcare system and fostering openness to patient and public participation."

      The process begins with individuals fostering teamwork to manage their own health and that of their families. It extends all the way up to the policy level. Collectively, we can cultivate a healthcare system that guarantees safety for all, integrating safety considerations into every facet of service. This undertaking necessitates the active participation of three crucial components: patients, public health personnel, and families and relatives.

Speaking Session (HAI Expert): Compassionate Engagement

Presented by Anuwat Supachutikul, MD.

“Let's help activate it with action for safety.”

          Dr. Anuwat Suphachutikul, an expert from the Healthcare Quality Accreditation Institute (Public Organization), emphasizes that listening to patients and promoting diary-keeping are essential for better healthcare. Some countries use platforms like Care Opinion websites for patients to share their thoughts and information. In cases of diagnostic errors, understanding the patient's narrative is crucial. Healthcare providers should actively listen and guide patients to provide essential information. Symptom diaries and health passports aid in disease diagnosis.

         Empowering patients to make informed choices is crucial. Doctors teach patients to ask three fundamental questions: "I have a disease; what should I do, and why should I do it?" Patients receive information to make informed decisions, considering benefits and risks. Shared decision-making involves both professionals and patients, using techniques like team talk, option talk, and decision talk. Care and support planning should involve collaboration with caregivers and care partners, ensuring that the patient actively participates in the planning process.

       The permission planning checklist helps in planning before admission, during the hospital stay, and before discharge. Compassionate participation in responding to patient safety incidents includes empathetic involvement of those affected, applying a systematic approach to learn from incidents, and ensuring a considered and proportionate response to enhance patient safety.

Speaking Session (HAI Expert): Spiritual in Healthcare

Presented by Duangsamorn Boonpadung, Ph.D

“True intelligence lies in recognizing and valuing the spiritual dimension of every individual.”

        Professor Duangsamorn Bunphadung, an expert from the Healthcare Quality Accreditation Institute, emphasizes the importance of integrating spirituality into healthcare culture. She discusses the link between Spiritual Health Assessment (SHA) and patient involvement in ensuring quality care. Incorporating spirituality leads to improved healthcare outcomes. Aligning organizational goals with spiritual intelligence fosters success. Spiritual healthcare, transcending material concerns, enriches lives and enhances happiness.

         She emphasizes nurturing a Growth Mindset and Meta Skills within the organization to connect with individuals deeply. SHA's patient engagement theme, "Dignity & Respect," underscores patient involvement in care decisions. Five key practices for spiritual healthcare include compassionate presence, deep listening, delivering comprehensive care, integrating spiritual practices, and respecting individual beliefs and values. Embracing spirituality enriches both care quality and patients' lives.

Group Discussion: Engaging Patients for Patient Safety in Thailand



Overview: Engaging Patients for Patient Safety in Thailand

         Active engagement of patients, their families, communities, and partners from civil society networks holds a pivotal role in collaboratively advancing healthcare development in Thailand. This participation aims to enhance safety measures and minimize medical errors. A crucial aspect of this endeavor involves the joint announcement of policies by various network partners, demonstrating a united commitment to driving the 3P Safety initiative.

         In Thailand, engaging patients, families, communities, and civil society network partners is instrumental in driving collaborative healthcare development to enhance safety and reduce medical errors. A significant component of this effort involves the collective announcement of policies by diverse network partners, showcasing their shared commitment to advancing 3P Safety.