[The Spanish National Health System patient safety strategy, results for the period 2005-2007]

In 2005 the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) implemented a strategy aimed at improving patient safety in Spanish healthcare centres.

Promote and develop knowledge of patient safety and a patient safety culture among health professionals and patients; design and implement adverse event information and reporting systems for learning purposes; introduce recommended safe practices in SNHS centres; promote patient safety research and public and patient involvement in patient safety policies.

An Institutional Technical Committee was created with representatives from all the Spanish regions. All national organizations involved in healthcare quality and patient safety took part in the project. The strategy follows the WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety and Council of Europe recommendations. Budget allocated in the period 2005-2007: approximately EUR35 million.

Around 5,000 health professionals were educated in PS concepts. Several studies were conducted on: adverse events in Hospitals and Primary Care, as well as studies to obtain information on health professionals' perceptions on safety, the use of medications and the situation regarding hospital-acquired infections. All the regions have introduced safe clinical practices related with the strategy.

The strategy has been implemented in all the Spanish regions. Awareness was raised among health professionals and the public. A network of alliances has been set up with the regions, universities, schools, agencies and other organizations supporting the strategy.