A risk-based integrated management for patient safety and quality in healthcare services

Abstract

Quality of health care services and patient safety has become a matter of interest to healthcare professionals, researchers and governments all over the world. The aim of this paper is to show the implementation of the risk-based integrated management for safety and quality at the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery in Havana, Cuba. Based on the structure, responsibilities and documents established for the health care service quality, thorough studies on patient safety and the risk-based thinking led to the development of an integrated system. This approach shifts the quality and safety management from reactively assessment of complications and incidents to proactive evaluation of the potential risks. Reporting of errors, injuries and complications can play an important role in the continuous health service improvement and as learning opportunities, may avoid future harm to patients.