World Patient Safety Day takes place on Sunday, 17th September 2023. Our theme this year is:
“Elevate the patient voice and safety through health literacy”
Almost one in three people in Ireland have difficulty accessing and understanding health-related information. But asking questions can help, such as:
- What do I need to know now?
- What do I need to do next?
- What can I expect? How will this help me?
To help deliver this message please use the animated clip and leaflet (written and spoken) called "Your Health, Your Voice".
Your Health, Your Voice animated clip
Resources
If you are using health services you can watch, listen and read more information under the first section Your Health, Your Voice.
Summary of all resources available
What can health and social care staff do?
One of the top things you can do is to ask people ‘What would you like to know?’.
You can support patients to play a more active role in their healthcare by making sure all the information given is clear and questions are answered.
- Share the messages of Your Health, Your Voice widely through a leaflet (written or spoken) or the animated clip.
- Invite people to make a list of questions to bring with them to their appointments or ask someone to come with them.
- Signpost the HSE A-Z of health conditions.
- Ask 'What matters to you?'
- Encourage people to keep a My Medicines List.
- Invite people to get involved as a patient partner with local groups or through the Patient Forum or Patients for Patients Safety Ireland.
- Signpost the HSE self-management supports for people living with long-term health conditions or peer support groups set up by advocacy groups.
How can you showcase the work in your service?
Let us know about any activities you have planned for World Patient Safety Day. Tag us on Twitter/X @NationalQPS and HSE National QPS Directorate on LinkedIn so we can share your content.