International Patient Safety Goals (IPSGs) utilization for maternal and childcare improvement

International Patient Safety Goals (IPSGs) utilization for maternal and childcare improvement

The International Patient Safety Goals (IPSGs) are a set of evidence-based standards developed by the Joint Commission International (JCI) to help healthcare organizations improve patient safety. The IPSGs are widely recognized as a global benchmark for patient safety and are used by accredited organizations in over 100 countries.

The IPSGs can be used to improve maternal and childcare safety in a number of ways. For example:

• Improve the accuracy and completeness of patient identification. This can help to prevent misidentification of mothers and babies, which can lead to medication errors and other problems.

• Improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers. This can help to ensure that all members of the care team are aware of the mother's and baby's condition and are working together to provide safe care.

• Improve the safety of high-alert medications. This can help to prevent medication errors, which are a leading cause of harm in healthcare.

• Reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in mothers and babies. By implementing IPSGs related to hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and safe injection practices, healthcare organizations can reduce the risk of HAIs.

• Reduce the risk of patient falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury in mothers and babies. By implementing IPSGs related to fall prevention, healthcare organizations can help to keep mothers and babies safe.

In addition to these specific IPSGs, all of the IPSGs can contribute to improved maternal and childcare safety by promoting a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. By focusing on patient safety, healthcare organizations can create a safer environment for mothers, babies, and all patients.

Here are some specific examples of how IPSGs have been used to improve maternal and childcare safety:

• In one study, the implementation of an IPSG on patient identification was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of medication errors in newborns.

• In another study, the implementation of an IPSG on communication among caregivers was associated with a reduction in the rate of adverse events in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

• In a third study, the implementation of an IPSG on the safety of high-alert medications was associated with a reduction in the rate of medication errors in the maternity ward.

These studies provide evidence that the IPSGs can be effective in improving maternal and childcare safety. During my clinical practice in a busy obstetrics and newborn unit, I have seen tremendous reduction of incidences and quality improvement after adoption and utilization of IPSGs. I will affirm that, by implementing the IPSGs, healthcare organizations can make a significant contribution to improving the safety of mothers and babies in Kenya and around the world.