Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. -- The 72nd Medical Group is gearing up for Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 12-18. Sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation, this week is a time to recognize our commitment to patient safety and to promote awareness among our staff, patients, and community.
The theme for the week is “United for Patient Safety.” Everyone in the health care process plays a role in delivering safe care, and by uniting together and sharing that common goal, we can make a difference in patient safety. From patients to care providers, from the front line to the Command staff — we are all united in the goal of keeping patients and those who care for them free from harm.
As we know, patient safety is a serious public health issue. Like obesity, motor vehicle crashes, and breast cancer, harms caused during patient care adversely impact the lives of patients, families, and medical staff. Although patient safety has already advanced in important ways, there is more work to be done in our quest for Zero Harms.
During the week the 72nd Medical Group is participating in activities including educational outreach to our patients, community and our staff.
• Patient Safety presentation board contest for medical group staff
• Patient and staff comment boards in Medical Group atrium
• Display table with patient safety materials and promotional items in Medical Group atrium
• “Ask Me 3” patient education video in Medical Group atrium
• Daily healthcare literacy challenge puzzles with prizes
• Twitter chat on the topic, “Patient Safety: What patients want (and need) to know” on Tuesday, March 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time
• Complimentary Webcast, “The Voice of the Patient and the Public” on Wednesday, March 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time
“I am proud of the work that our staff does every day to make the 72nd Medical Group a leading health care provider in our community,” says Col. Chris Grussendorf, 72nd Medical Group Commander. “To improve our service and drive for Zero Harms, our medical staff needs effective partnerships with patients and families. Our “United for Patient Safety” initiative is an outstanding opportunity to further develop the relationships that are the foundation for the high quality trusted care that our Tinker AFB families deserves.”