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What is Healthcare Harm and How to Reduce it
Canadian Patient Safety Week October 28 – November 1, 2024

Canadian Patient Safety Week (CPSW) is an annual campaign organized by Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) to inspire extraordinary improvements in healthcare safety and quality. The theme selected by HEC for 2024 is “Broadening our Understanding of Harm, Together.”

Patients for Patient Safety Canada (PFPSC) members know that the physical harm (e.g., loss of life or function, pain, extended hospitalizations) is only a part of the harm experienced.

In 2022-23, PFPSC and HEC discussed what patient safety and harm means with patients, families, healthcare workers and safety scientists. This led to the launch of Rethinking Patient Safety in 2024 – a statement and discussion guide that acknowledges all types of harm including physical, psychological, spiritual, and cultural.

During CPSW 2024 PFPSC wants to help the public learn about different types of harm, the impact of that harm, and possible solutions to increase safety.

Senator Ravalia and Patients for Patient Safety Canada

Canadian Patient Safety Week serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that patients and their families play in driving safer and more compassionate care for all.

This year’s theme, “Let’s broaden our understanding of harm, together,” is a timely call to action. By listening to the patient voice and working alongside dedicated organizations like Patients for Patient Safety Canada (PFPSC), we can build a culture of transparency, learning, and collaboration in healthcare. PFPSC’s commitment to amplifying patient experiences and concerns is crucial to identifying areas of improvement and addressing harm in all its forms.

Every Canadian deserves safe, equitable, and compassionate healthcare. As a family physician and Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador, I am proud to support Canadian Patient Safety Week and to recognize the vital contributions of PFPSC in making our healthcare system safer and more responsive. Together, we can continue to champion a future where patient safety is at the forefront and every voice is heard.

Senator Mohamed Ravalia, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Here is how you can contribute:

ASK

ASK yourself and others in your circle, especially those most vulnerable, what healthcare harm means, ways it can impact us, and how we can increase safety.

  • PFPSC asked our members this question and collected their stories as examples of cultural, psychological, spiritual, and other types of harm.
  • Share and add your stories on social media using #patients4safety; #CPSW2024; #UnderstandHarm
Videos
WHAT IS HARM
Stories

LISTEN

LISTEN to the experiences of others with empathy and respect for their truth. Listening is caring and creates connection and healing for the person who shares their story and the person who listens. It also inspires action to reduce avoidable harm.

  • PFPSC knows that sometimes words are not enough. Art provides a way to share and listen, so we curated an art collection for #CPSW2024.
  • Share the art gallery and contact us if you or someone you know would like to contribute.
Art Gallery
Contact
PATIENT SAFETY AND EQUITY

ACT

ACT to increase safety for you, your loved ones, and all of us who expect safer care.

  • Access a collection of resources to support a safe care journey at the link below. Use the activity cards developed by HEC to discuss ways to reduce all types of harm.
  • Share your ideas with us and others using #patients4safety; #CPSW2024; #UnderstandHarm. Visit the HEC CPSW2024 website to access more resources and participate in their activities.
Contact
HEC CPSW2024
RESOURCES
Word Search

Get in touch to start making a difference today.

“In honor of those who have died, those left disabled, our loved ones today and the world’s children yet to be born, we will strive for excellence, so that all involved in healthcare are as safe as possible as soon as possible.”
– LONDON DECLARATION
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