Patient Safety: The Unfinished Battle | Postpartum Doula Los Angeles

Patient safety is a critical aspect of healthcare that has garnered significant attention over the past few decades. The landmark 1999 report 'To Err is Human' by the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) revealed that up to 98,000 patients die annually in the US due to medical errors, sparking a national conversation on the issue. Since then, numerous initiatives have been launched to improve patient safety, including the implementation of electronic health records, checklists, and teamwork training. Despite these efforts, medical errors remain a leading cause of death worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 1 in 10 patients are harmed while receiving care. The patient safety movement has been influenced by pioneers such as Dr. Lucian Leape and Dr. Peter Pronovost, who have worked tirelessly to promote a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that patient safety will remain a top priority, with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning being explored for their potential to reduce errors and improve care quality.