Final answer:
Patient safety in healthcare involves preventing medical errors and adverse events. It can be advanced through adherence to protocols and checklists, healthcare provider education and training, and the use of technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patient safety in healthcare refers to the prevention of medical errors and adverse events that may harm patients. It involves creating systems and practices to ensure that patients receive safe and effective care. There are several ways patient safety can be advanced in healthcare:
- Adherence to protocols and checklists: Healthcare providers can use standardized protocols and checklists to reduce errors and improve patient outcomes. For example, the World Health Organization developed a checklist for safe surgery that has been shown to reduce complications and deaths.
- Healthcare provider education and training: Continuous education and training for healthcare providers can improve their knowledge and skills in patient safety practices.
- Use of technology: Implementing electronic health records, barcode medication administration, and other technological advancements can help reduce medication errors and improve patient safety.