Improving diagnosis for patient safety discussed

LAHORE:The burden of medical errors related to diagnostic accuracy are on the rise and contribute heavily to the cost associated with errors in terms of finances and health outcomes.

‘The healthcare organisations all over the world, including Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre are increasingly recognising the need to improve diagnostic safety, but challenges remain,’ said Dr Haroon Hafeez, consultant physician, and Director, Quality and Patient Safety SKMCH&RC while talking to The News.

The theme for this year's World Patient Safety Day, commemorated by WHO on 17th September every year, was improving diagnosis for patient safety. Dr Haroon Hafeez said that the efforts to measure and enhance diagnostic accuracy are often sidelined due to a lack of national standards, incentives, and the burden of additional data collection. However, as diagnostic errors are acknowledged as a significant patient safety issue, there is growing momentum for change.

‘By leveraging existing data, implementing e-trigger systems, and focusing on high-risk diagnoses, healthcare systems can begin to detect, learn from, and prevent diagnostic errors,’ he added.

He said that the goal is to create a more reliable diagnostic process, anticipate potential problems, and ensure that lessons from past mistakes inform future improvements. Though still developing, these strategies could reduce diagnostic harm and improve patient safety outcomes in the long run.

At Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, he said, we have a robust data collection system to constantly review and improve upon the services we provide. We offer a 24-hour online helpline for patients, along with a robust feedback mechanism for verbal and written complaints. ‘We encourage staff to report any adverse events they come across in their day-to-day work,’ he said and added that, each year, we compile and analyse the data collected to strategise and prioritise areas for improvements. Our processes are externally validated through third-party audits and certifications, including JCI and ISO, ensuring adherence to global healthcare standards. ‘These rigorous evaluations help us to maintain the highest level of patient care and continually refine our diagnostic and service processes,’ he concluded.