ISQua WHITE PAPER
Despite notable progress in patient safety, the WHO Global Patient Safety Report 2024 highlights the gaps in translating policies into real-world practices. In response, ISQua has developed this White Paper to offer a structured roadmap for healthcare organisations to strengthen healthcare systems, improve patient safety, embed continuous improvement into daily operations, and drive measurable impact.
"This White Paper is a critical tool for healthcare organisations to make patient safety an operational priority," said Dr. Ezequiel Garcia Elorrio, ISQua President. "By focusing on leadership, system improvement, workforce training, and patient engagement, we can accelerate progress in making healthcare safer for all."
This white paper serves as a concise and actionable guide for healthcare leaders and providers to improve patient safety policies and practices at the organisational level.
Safe Care is the Right Care: The ISQua White Paper on Patient Safety for Healthcare Organisations
ISQua officially released this White Paper on Patient Safety for Healthcare Organisations at the 7th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety on 3rd April 2025, in Manila, Philippines.
This paper was commissioned by the ISQua Board and ISQua Chief Executive Officer Carsten Engel, approved by the ISQua Board, and developed with the guidance and expertise of an international ISQua Working Group.
The white paper outlines four foundational pillars for Patient Safety in Health Care Organisations:
- Advocacy and Leadership
- Health Worker Education and Safety
- Patient, Family and Carer Engagement and Empowerment
- Improvement in Clinical Processes
This implementation strategy aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Patient Safety Action Plan (GPSAP) 2021–2030. It focuses on creating practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented across diverse healthcare settings.
The white paper will help healthcare organisations implement evidence-based strategies to address patient safety challenges, reduce preventable harm, and improve care quality. These improvements enhance both patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.
Expert Contributors – Workgroup
We would like to thank those who contributed to the successful publication of this White Paper.
Lead Author:
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Dr. Anuradha Pichumani – ISQua Board Member; Executive Director, Sree Renga Hospital, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
Co-Authors:
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Dr. Carsten Engel – Chief Executive Officer, ISQua
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Dr. Neelam Dhingra – VP & Chief Patient Safety Officer, JCI – Joint Commission International, USA
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Dr. Jeff Salvon-Harman – Vice President, Safety, IHI – Institute of Healthcare Improvement, USA
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Dr. Irina Papieva – Technical Officer & Patient Safety Flagship, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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Dr. Laura Mangan – National Patient Safety Office, Department of Health, Ireland
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Dr. Shin Ushiro – Deputy Hospital Director & Chief Patient Safety Officer, Kyushu University Hospital, Japan
Reviewers:
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Prof Paul Bowie - Programme Director (Safety & Improvement), NHS Education for Scotland, UK
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Dr Lydia Okutoyi - Director Health Care Quality, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi