Essentials for Quality and Safety Improvement in Health Care: A Resource for Developing Countries

Patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare remain a global priority, but subpar performance is still common in Africa. This book encourages healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries to develop and implement patient safety and quality improvement initiatives. It outlines six essential components for achieving evolutionary progress and provides practical steps for their implementation. The authors have experience and expertise in the medical practice gained in Africa and a decade of knowledge and experience in safety and quality improvement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 199 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare continue to be a top global concern, despite subpar performance in the sector more than a decade after the introduction of patient safety in Africa. The fundamental principle of safety and quality improvement systems is to identify and assess the root causes of failures in order to learn from them and develop strategies to improve and prevent recurrence. This book aims to empower healthcare workers in developing and implementing strategically driven patient safety and quality improvement initiatives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa. It also highlights some of the significant challenges and barriers to designing and implementing patient safety and quality improvement interventions in the region and emphasizes the need to remain focused and determined to overcome these barriers.

The book is organized into chapters that focus on six essential components for achieving evolutionary progress in safety and quality improvement in healthcare systems:

Standard operating procedure: This component involves developing and implementing standardized protocols and procedures to ensure consistent and safe care delivery.

Audit: Audit involves conducting systematic reviews and assessments of healthcare practices to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.

Research: Research plays a crucial role in developing new insights and evidence-based practices that can improve patient safety and quality.

Safety management: Safety management involves implementing strategies to prevent and manage risks and incidents in healthcare settings.

Quality management: Quality management involves ensuring that healthcare services meet high-quality standards and patient expectations.

Evaluation: Evaluation involves measuring and assessing the effectiveness of patient safety and quality improvement initiatives to ensure that they are making a positive impact.

Practical steps in planning and conducting these six essential components are outlined with specific features to aid learning and facilitate their implementation. The authors of the book have extensive experience and expertise in medical practice gained in Africa, as well as a decade of knowledge and experience in consultancy work in safety and quality improvement in healthcare within and outside the region.

Essentials for Quality and Safety Improvement in Health Care: A Resource for Developing Countries is designed for both medical professionals and policymakers interested in improving healthcare quality and safety in developing countries. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of patient safety and quality improvement in Africa, as well as practical strategies and solutions for addressing the challenges and barriers faced by healthcare systems in the region.

In conclusion, patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare remain a critical priority worldwide, and this book offers valuable insights and strategies for achieving progress in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. By empowering healthcare workers and promoting evidence-based practices, we can work towards safer healthcare systems and improved patient outcomes.

Weight: 355g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030924843
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022