[Patient safety in primary care and for elderly patients - a case illustrates risks and possible measures]

Safe healthcare means care without preventable harm. Different parts of healthcare face various challenges, with types of harm varying by specialty and context. In primary care, delayed diagnoses dominate serious harm, while in home care settings, challenges often arise from the transfer of information among different caregivers or assistants, thereby increasing the risk of harm from for example medications or complications from catheters, stents, and urinary catheters. Poor continuity of care contributed to the suffering of the patient in this article, showcasing systemic vulnerabilities. To improve patient safety, patient engagement, continuity of care, and information exchange across care transitions are vital. Collaboration among healthcare providers towards shared patient-centred goals is essential for effective and safe care delivery.