WHO announces nine patient safety solutions

Patient Safety Monitor Alert

May 9, 2007

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced nine patient safety solutions for use around the world. The solutions, announced May 2, will be monitored by the WHO's World Alliance for Patient Safety and the Collaborating Centre.

The solutions include:

  • look-alike, sound-alike medication names
  • patient identification
  • communication during patient hand-overs
  • performance of correct procedure at correct body site
  • control of concentrated electrolyte solutions
  • ensuring medication accuracy at transitions in care
  • avoiding catheter and tubing misconnections
  • single use of injection devices
  • improved hand hygiene to prevent health care-associated infection