Developing patient safety system using WHO tool in hospitals in Oman

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Health Policy

Background:

• Oman is adopting the World Health Organization's Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative (PSFHI).
• This initiative aims to enhance patient safety within healthcare facilities.
• The study focuses on the implementation and performance of PSFHI in Omani hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation process of PSFHI in Omani hospitals.
• To analyze the performance of hospitals assessed by the WHO for PSFHI adherence.
• To evaluate the impact of PSFHI on patient safety in Oman.

Main Methods:

• PSFHI was launched in 11 Omani hospitals in 2016.
• Hospitals followed a 1-year implementation plan including committee formation, training, and community involvement.
• Four early-adopting hospitals underwent WHO assessment after one year.

Main Results:

• Three hospitals (one government, two private) achieved Level 2.
• One government hospital attained Level 3, a first in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• These results indicate successful adherence to WHO-PSFHI standards.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of PSFHI in Omani hospitals yielded positive results.
• Patient safety was demonstrably improved through the PSFHI initiative.
• Oman's progress highlights successful adoption of international patient safety standards.