Government resolution : Patient and client safety strategy 2017–2021

Abstract

The first Finnish Patient Safety Strategy was prepared for the years 2009–2013. The Health Care Act, which entered into force in 2011, and Decrees issued under the Act were important from the point of view of the promotion of patient safety. After these, patient safety has been reinforced by the Social Welfare Act and the Act on Supporting the Functional Capacity of the Older Population and the Act on Social and Health Care Services for Older Persons. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the Patient Safety Strategy into the Patient and Client Safety Strategy in cooperation with institutions in the administrative branch, the Finnish Patient Safety Association, and operators in the field. This action plan deals with quality and patient and client safety from four viewpoints: safety culture, responsibility, management and statutes. Promoting patient and client safety and quality is part of the responsibility for organising health and social welfare services. The responsibilities of service providers include securing patient and client safety in practice. Despite the fact that our healthcare and social welfare personnel are competent and committed and their activities are regulated, patient safety incidents cannot be avoided without comprehensive and resourced quality and safety management. Prevention of incidents that cause human suffering also reduces costs. The aim of this Strategy is to contribute to the development of Finnish healthcare and social welfare services towards a harmonised safety culture and to promote it in practice. The Strategy will serve healthcare and social welfare organisers and providers, personnel, patients, clients and their family members in the implementation of safe and effective care. The Strategy will be implemented in public and private healthcare and social welfare. It can be complemented by more detailed action plans. Promoting patient and client safety is not dependent on structures. It is work that needs to be taken care of under any circumstances. The future health, social services and regional government reform will provide new opportunities for strengthening the safety culture, harmonising practices that promote safety as well as improving patient and client safety and quality. Patient and client safety is part of the public service promise