Yesterday, September 17, 2024 was designated as World Patient Safety Day. This day focuses on raising awareness about patients’ rights and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. Patients have the right to receive accurate diagnoses, access their medical records, and ask questions to gain clarification from medical staff without feeling belittled. This year’s theme is “Improving diagnosis for patient safety,” accompanied by the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!”
This highlights the vital role of timely and accurate diagnoses in ensuring patient safety and enhancing health outcomes. A proper diagnosis identifies a patient’s health issue and is essential for obtaining necessary care and treatment. Diagnostic errors occur when a health problem is not correctly identified or communicated in a timely manner, which may involve delays, inaccuracies, or missed diagnoses. It is hoped that increased awareness in the healthcare sector will reduce preventable harm and save lives worldwide.