Patient safety at HUS

In the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, patient safety work is based on assessment of risks, constant improvement of operations and maintenance of safety. The objective is to minimise preventable harm caused by treatment. Patient safety is developed by updating the Patient Safety Plan (in Finnish) annually.
 
The Executive Board of the hospital district approves the Patient Safety Plan and discusses the report on the implementation of the Patient Safety Plan on an annual basis.

HUS is constantly developing new monitoring methods and the aim is to communicate information about matters that promote patient safety as openly as possible. HUS intends to be the pioneer of patient safety work and research in Finland. Patients and their family and close friends are also included in the development of patient safety.
 
Monitoring and reporting
The patient safety situation in monitored actively. Information is collected about factors that threaten or may threaten patient safety. The reporting system in which staff can report safety incidents provides important information. All safety incidents are dealt with in the place of care in question and further measures to prevent safety incidents and to improve the operation are agreed on the basis of the incident.

Patient safety training
Patient safety training is part of the qualification requirements for staff working at HUS. All health care professionals that work in contact with patients complete an online course on patient safety. HUS operates according to the national medication guidelines to ensure safe medication.

Infection control
Infection control is a central part of the quality of care and patient safety. HUS has staff specialised in the prevention of infections providing advice and training to the staff. As the risk of contracting influenza in hospitals is almost twofold compared to the rest of the society, for example, influenza vaccinations given to the staff play an important role in the prevention of infections by considerably reducing the risk of influenza and deaths among patients.

The Council of Europe recommends that 75% of people in risks groups, including healthcare professionals, be given influenza vaccinations. HUS has reached this target level for influenza vaccination coverage​ among its staff.

Feedback on treatment
Patients can give feedback ​on the treatment they have received. HUS carries out a survey on patient safety twice a year. The patient safety survey provides valuable information from the patient’s point of view. This information is used in the planning and development of the operations, the improvement of treatment and the promotion of a customer-oriented approach in services.
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