Top Patient Safety Concerns for 2024

March 26, 2024

The number one patient safety concern for 2024 is the transition of new healthcare professionals from academics to clinical practice, according to an annual report by ECRI.

The disruption of in-person, hands-on medical education and training resulted in missed learning opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And that may contribute to the potential increased risk of harm to patients, according to this new report. In addition, with the overall healthcare workforce shortage and demands on staff created by the pandemic, these new professionals may also lack the guidance and mentorship needed from more senior colleagues.

Additional topics addressed in the 2024 report include barriers to accessing maternal and perinatal care, unintended consequences of technology adoption, a decline in physical and emotional well-being of healthcare workers, and delays in care resulting from shortages of medications, supplies, and equipment.

Our risk management program puts patient safety at its core. Be sure to check out ISMIE’s Patient Safety Center, a one-stop resource to help reduce risk exposure and support you in providing quality care.