National Policy on Patient Safety, Health Worker Safety and Quality of Care

Abstract

The National Policy on Patient Safety, Health Worker Safety, and Quality of Care discusses the fundamental human right to health, which is guaranteed in the Constitution of Kenya and various international and regional human rights instruments. The Kenyan government has prioritized the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with safety and quality as essential features. In order to deliver on the promise of providing quality health care, treatment, and services in a safe environment free of errors and harm, various elements should be applied across the continuum, including assessing, planning, providing, and coordinating care to address patient needs. The World Health Assembly has recognized patient safety as a global health priority and endorsed World Patient Safety Day to raise awareness and understanding about patient safety and to galvanize global actions for safer systems, services, procedures, and practices in healthcare to eliminate harm. The COVID-19 pandemic brought increased recognition of risks to patients and healthcare workers, highlighting the importance of healthcare worker safety as a priority for patient safety. The safety and protection of healthcare workers are keys to ensuring the safety of patients as well as a well-functioning health system and society. Hospital workers encounter unique risks in their work, and without adequate safeguards for workers, an increased emphasis on patient safety can potentially increase risks for workers.