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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.

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.

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. We also collected stories that are publicly available as examples of cultural, psychological, spiritual, and other types of harm .
  • Share and add your stories on social media using #patients4safety; #CPSW2024; #UnderstandHarm
Videos

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

ACT

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

  • PFPSC adapted the activity cards developed by HEC for CPSW2024 to help the public discuss ways to reduce all types of harm. We also collected resources that can help you now.
  • 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

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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