Implementing co-production to enhance patient safety: the introduction of the Patient Safety Consent tool, an example of a simple local solution to a common challenge

Implementing co-production to enhance patient safety: the introduction of the Patient Safety Consent tool, an example of a simple local solution to a common challenge
Abdulelah Alhawsawi, David Greenfield
International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 28 December 2023
Abstract
Zero harm is one of the priorities that all healthcare systems are aspiring for. However, more than two decades after ‘To Err is Human’ report, many systems are struggling to identify or implement strategies to achieve this important goal. One of the very powerful, yet underutilized strategies towards transforming patient safety and achieving Zero Harm is ‘co–production’. Co-production of health is defined as ‘the interdependent work of users and professionals who are creating, designing, producing, delivering, assessing, and evaluating the relationships and actions that contribute to the health of individuals and populations’. Simply put, co-production means that patients contribute alongside professionals to the provision of health services. While we know the importance and potential value of co-production, many health systems are underutilizing the approach. Actions to effectively implement and sustain changes to service provision to use co-production are elusive. To realize improvements, a key requirement for health professionals is addressing the question: how can we implement and sustain co-production in efficient, effective ways? To address this challenge, and thereby improve patient safety and work towards zero harm, we introduce the ‘Patient Safety Consent’ (PSC) tool, a simple co-production tool to empower patients and families to become more active members in their own healthcare. Implementing the co-production of care, requires a shift in the traditional attitudes and power dynamics between healthcare professionals and patients. Professionals explicitly share service information, diagnosis assessments, treatment options, decision-making and involve patients and their families in determining the direction and actions for their care; conversely, patients and families take on an active role in engaging in discussions, potential care pathways, and ongoing decisions about their treatment and care. Hence, the PSC tool is a direct, engaging, comprehensive and, where used effectively, a powerful strategy for changing the dynamics and outcomes of care…