Improving patient safety and reducing medical errors in Iraqi health care institutions - Baghdad

Abstract

Ala'a Kareem, Noor Alabid
Corresponding author : alaakareem432@gmail.com

Abstract
This study aimed to identify critical and important areas in healthcare systems that need improvements to reduce medical errors and enhance patient safety. Methodology: A systematic scientific review was conducted to explore the ethical problem of medical error and patient safety in the Iraqi healthcare institutions system. This electronic search of the database resulted in more than 4,000 candidate articles, 45 of which were selected at random after meeting the criteria for their inclusion in this study.

Results: The results of the research study were more than 45 relevant articles under investigation to which the criteria for this methodological research apply. The lack of ethical responsibility for the continuous improvement of the health care system, the lack of a proper safety culture and an effective reporting system, and the lack of patient-centred health care are among the most important areas in the system of Iraqi healthcare institutions that need improvement to enhance patient safety and reduce medical errors.

Practical implications: The researcher made several recommendations based on what has been done in the United States health care system that systematically addresses improving patient safety and reducing medical errors. For example, health care organizations seeking to enhance patient safety and reduce medical errors should abandon the routine system of blaming the health practitioner and focus on improving the health care system instead. The dedication to enhancing patient safety must also stem from the ethical responsibility of healthcare organizations towards the patients they serve. Also, healthcare institutions must create a strong culture of safety. Finally, health care institutions should be concerned with the essential and important role of involving patients in the health process in improving safety and reducing medical errors.
Keywords: Patient Safety, Quality, Iraqi Health Care, Culture of Safety, Medical ErrorMoral.