Patient Safety
Patient safety refers to taking the steps necessary to prevent patient harm during the process of accessing health care and services. To ensure a caring and just culture is established at all levels of the Canadian healthcare system (Canadian Patient Safety Institute, 2019). These guiding principles form an element within the policy framework presented by the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) and developed as a strategic initiative to secure safe patient practices. Every member of the health care team has an obligation to practice in a safe manner to support patient safety. The Figure below details the full framework for patient safety as developed by the CPSI with a goal for Canada to create the safest in the world.
Ensuring patient safety falls to all members of the health care team. When the technologist communicates in a therapeutic manner, the patient feels at ease. This openness creates trust and supports a patient-centred safe space. When using therapeutic communication techniques in a goal-oriented manner the focus remains on patient health care needs. Listening to understand supports the decision-making process of the patient thereby increasing the safety of the patient.
