Evaluation of Patient's Safety Measures in ICU and Surgical Theatre in Hospitals in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is a very important concept not only for health authorities, but also for patients’ satisfaction. With the effort  of Ministry of Health and Population came the need for evaluation of implementation of the policies in hospitals.

Objectives: This study  aimed to evaluate patient safety measures in Menoufia Governorate hospitals regarding international patient safety goals and Egyptian  health care accreditation standards.

Participants and methods: A cross sectional study conducted in four hospitals, Menoufia  Governorate that were selected by stratified random sampling technique. During the study period each of the selected hospitals and  departments was visited 15 times at regular intervals. The included departments were the critical departments (ICU, NICU and surgical  theatre).

Results: Using Egyptian Healthcare Accreditation Program and International Accreditation Standards for Hospitals revealed that  policies were 100% available in the studied hospitals. Awareness of organization and staff about safety standards was 60% in ICU  department and 62.2% in NICU. Implementation of updated hand hygiene guidelines was 61.1% performed in ICU and 73.3% in NICU.  While, discarding single use injection devices after use was 100% implemented. All documents and equipment needed for surgery are on  hand, correct and functioning properly before the start of the surgical or invasive procedure was met in 62.2%.

Conclusion and  recommendation: Despite of availability of policies in all hospital, implementation of patient safety measure till needs improvement, so,  continuous orientation of staff, checking on work and continuous improvement are needed to achieve patient safety culture.