Patient participation in its own safety

• Published in: Atención primaria 2021-12, Vol.53 Suppl 1, p.102215
• Main Authors: Añel Rodríguez, Rosa María, Aibar Remón, Carlos, Martín Rodríguez, María Dolores
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• Subjects: Humans; Patient Participation; Patient Safety; Primary Health Care
• ISSN: 1578-1275
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2021.102215

Patient-centered approach to care and regulatory advances developed in recent years have promoted patient involvement in decision-making about diagnostic tests and treatments. In other aspects, such as participating in their own safety, there is still a lot to do. Until recently, the patient has been considered as a simple health services receiver, not as an active part of the system, much less as a safety barrier against failures and errors that occur in health care. Some patients have been activated thanks to their experiences. However, many others do not. That is why it is necessary to proactively sensitize, inform and train patients to participate in their own safety. It is not about holding them responsible, but about facilitating and promoting their participation by reinforcing their safety during the care process. The health system must be committed, and the patient informed and trained. We provide tools and online resources to apply in primary care.