18 September 2024
Heather Buzuzi
Yesterday, the global health community united to observe World Patient Safety Day, focusing on a critical aspect of healthcare: diagnosis.
This year’s theme, “Get it right, make it safe!”, emphasizes the importance of achieving accurate and timely diagnoses as a cornerstone of patient safety. In Zimbabwe, where healthcare challenges can be exacerbated by limited resources and accessibility, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility to protect patients and improve health outcomes.
A correct diagnosis is not merely a medical formality; it represents the foundation upon which effective treatment and preventative interventions are built. As healthcare professionals in Zimbabwe reflect on the complexities of the diagnostic process, they face the reality that diagnostic errors account for approximately 16% of preventable patient harm.
According to the WHO, diagnostic errors can include missed, incorrect, delayed, or miscommunicated diagnoses, which “can worsen patient outcomes and at times lead to prolonged or severe illness, disability, or even death.”
In Zimbabwean healthcare settings, patients and their families are encouraged to engage actively in their diagnostic journey.
This year, healthcare leaders and policymakers are emphasizing the vital role of collaboration among healthcare teams, patients, and their loved ones in ensuring safety.
WHO states, “Understanding the diagnostic process is key to reducing errors,” highlighting the importance of informed and engaged patients.
Dr. Tinashe Chikanda, a local healthcare leader, asserts, “Engaging patients in their care is essential. By fostering an environment where patients feel comfortable voicing their concerns and experiences, we can significantly reduce the chances of diagnostic errors.”
On World Patient Safety Day, health workers will provide resources and information on how patients can navigate the healthcare system effectively.
Events across Zimbabwe will include workshops and community discussions aimed at raising awareness of patient safety and diagnostic processes.
Healthcare workers will receive training on enhancing communication skills and reducing unconscious bias in diagnostic judgment, underpinning the notion that diagnosis is indeed a team effort.
As various stakeholders come together, both the public and healthcare professionals will be encouraged to build a culture of safety that prioritizes accurate and timely diagnoses.
In addition to educating health workers, the Health Ministry is calling for improvements in policy frameworks to create supportive environments for both patients and providers. “We need to invest in quality diagnostic tools, training programs for our health workers, and systems that promote collaboration among all parties involved in patient care,” stated a ministry representative. These measures are essential to address the systemic challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
For patients, the message is clear: take an active role in your health. Know the importance of your voice in the diagnostic process, and do not hesitate to seek clarification on your treatment pathway. Families, too, play a vital role in supporting loved ones through healthcare journeys, advocating for transparency and open communication with healthcare providers.
As Zimbabwe gears up for World Patient Safety Day 2024, the commitment to “Get it right, make it safe!” resonates strongly among health workers, policymakers, and patients alike. The day serves as a reminder that patient safety is a shared responsibility, one that can only be achieved through collaboration, education, and continuous improvement in healthcare practices.
With the collective effort of health authorities, dedicated healthcare professionals, and informed patients, a safer, healthier future is possible—ensuring every Zimbabwean receives the care they deserve.