“When patients are passive in their own care, there will be unabated mistakes in the care they receive. This is why we need the feedback from patients for continuous quality improvement and better care.” — Prof. Isemede
Abuja Nigeria. September 14th-18th: In the bustling heart of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, we marked the 2023 World Patient Safety Day in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its partners. This year’s event theme “Engaging patients for patient safety” is a call to all who work in healthcare to empower patients by letting them be the architects of their well-being, especially in ensuring that they receive safe and quality care. DRASA commemorated this day by actively supporting and participating in a series of events in September.
Setting the Stage of Journeying from Policy To Practice: Review of National Patient Policy and Strategy
Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds gathered in Abuja for a two-day review of Nigeria’s first Patient Safety and Care Quality Policy and Implementation Strategy. Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, representing the Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), welcomed participants and set the tone for the event. Goodwill messages, including ours, echoed through the hall, commending the efforts of the FMOH in championing patient safety. Prof. Isemede Asekhame of Patient Safety Africa led the day, unraveling the story of patient safety in Nigeria, emphasizing the theme—Engaging patients for patient safety—and the place of the nation in global patient safety trends.
Participants shared insights from their organizations including Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Servicom, West Africa Institute of Public Health, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners.
The star of the show was the review of the National Policy and Strategy on Patient Safety and Care Quality: a roadmap for comprehensive change, an aspiration for zero harm, and a commitment to patient-centered care. The stakeholders divided into groups and delved into the Policy document’s chapters, dissecting its purpose, policy core, legal framework, and strategic objectives. Contributors shared ideas and insights to improve the Policy and the Implementation Strategy. This was followed by a plenary session to discuss and learn from one another based on the group work. All 52 stakeholders present also agreed on a mid-term review of the policy documents after implementation to keep to the national commitment to patient safety.
Road Walk and Ministerial Press Briefing: Painting Nigeria Orange
The World Patient Safety Day festivities spilled onto the streets of Abuja on September 18, 2023, with a one-hour road walk orchestrated by the Federal Ministry of Health, DRASA Health Trust, WHO Nigeria, and other partners.
A sea of mostly orange-and blue-clad advocates walked about 2.5 kilometers to raise awareness and to speak to the public about what they need to actively do to ensure that they are involved in the care they seek in any of Nigeria’s healthcare facilities.
At the Ministerial Press Briefing held later that day, a symphony of voices echoed the importance of patient engagement. The Honorable Minister for Health and Social Welfare, represented by the Permanent Secretary, unveiled the National Policy and Implementation Strategy on Patient Safety and Care Quality—a testament to Nigeria’s commitment.
X (Twitter) Spaces—Engaging Patients for Patient Safety: What We Can Learn
“Patient feedback also helps us see the loopholes in the care process so that the system can adjust, and with the involvement of these patients, provide satisfactory care that meets each patient where they are” Dr. Chris Omage shared, as we took the conversation from rooms and road walks to the virtual sphere by hosting an interactive discussion on X (formerly Twitter) Space.
Along with Dr. Omage, we hosted another patient safety expert, Prof. Isemede Asekhame. Both painted a vivid picture of patient engagement’s impact on healthcare. Listeners joined in live to listen and take away points on how they need to demand and cooperate with health providers to receive quality care devoid of harm.
As the curtain fell on World Patient Safety Day 2023, the FMOH building glowed in orange, symbolizing Nigeria’s commitment to patient safety.
Through DRASA’s partnership with FMoH, we joined global advocates to share a resounding message. Patients are kings and queens on their healthcare journey, and their voices are the guiding light for a brighter, safer future. As the sun sets on this year’s activity, every new day remains a day to stay committed to patient safety. In support of the new Policy and Implementation Strategy, we will continue to echo this promise of a safer, brighter future for healthcare in Nigeria through our work.
