Additionally, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have pushed for a global approach to patient safety. Their campaigns, like the “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands” initiative, align with the goals established by the Joint Commission, emphasizing the international nature of health challenges and the importance of shared safety standards. Such initiatives underscore the necessity for cooperation among countries to address patient safety on a global scale.

The focus on health equity has also emerged as a significant theme in the most recent updates to the National Patient Safety Goals. The recognition that social determinants of health profoundly affect patient outcomes has led to an emphasis on creating equitable healthcare systems. Ensuring that all patients receive the same level of attention irrespective of their backgrounds has become increasingly important.

Looking forward, the Joint Commission may need to continue adapting its safety goals to address emergent challenges in healthcare. Areas such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and personalized medicine present new opportunities and risks that must be taken into account in patient safety initiatives. As healthcare delivery becomes more decentralized and technology-driven, there will be an ongoing need to ensure that patient safety standards keep pace with these changes.

Heather B.

Joint Commission. (2020). National patient safety goals. The Joint Commission. Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org

World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care: A summary. Retrieved from https://www.who.int

Berwick, D. M. (2016). The science of improvement: How to achieve progress. Journal of the American Medical Association, 316(1), 47-48.