Development of patient safety structures at Kamuzu Central Hospital (Safe@KCH)

The German-Malawian project of the RhineMain University of Applied Sciences and the Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe pursues the intention of further developing patient safety structures in the Malawian hospital. The aim is to implement the WHO recommendations to ensure patient safety in perioperative care and obstetrics.

Background:

The Malawi Health Strategy focuses on optimising patient safety in the period 2017-2022. Although significant improvements in patient care have already been achieved in recent years, for example in the control of infections, there is still a need in the area of prevention and detection of medical errors. Safety measures can be implemented with the help of training and the education of "Patient Safety Ambassadors" in the clinical departments.

Activities:

• Visiting Malawi to assess the need for adaptation of the WHO recommendations.
• Establish a training curriculum for the training of local Patient Safety Ambassadors.
• Observation and training of a delegation of Malawian colleagues as multipliers
• Implementation and documentation of perioperative safety checks based on the WHO recommendations.

Impact:

The training of the Malawian multipliers contributes to patient safety, especially for expectant mothers, and thus contributes to reducing maternal mortality in the long term.