Patient safety at ewimed
What does that actually mean exactly?
September 17 marks the anniversary of World Patient Safety Day and the 2023 mottos:
“More safety. For and with patients”
“Strengthening the voice of patients”
The goal of World Patient Safety Day 2023 is, on the one hand, to raise awareness among healthcare organizations and medical and nursing staff on how to further engage and hear the patient voice. And on the other hand, empowering patients themselves with their voice and making them aware of the importance of their role in healthcare.
With our blog entry, we are answering the call of the Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit (APS) to all healthcare institutions and stakeholders to contribute to the topic of patient safety.
Because at ewimed, you as a patient are our focus and your safety is our top priority.
In summary, the APS focuses on the following 5 topics:
As a patient, I should actively take responsibility!
I may always:
- Express concerns
- Inquiries
- express my own opinion
For the medical and nursing staff, it is important not only to accept what is said, but also to encourage the patient to act on his or her own responsibility.
What does “Speak Up” actually mean?
A speak-up culture refers to an environment in which even sensitive topics can be communicated openly and without fear of negative consequences
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that between 7 and 23 million healthcare harm events are caused by poor communication each year.
The big opportunity lies in improving communication between all sides.
What are some ways to raise awareness, empower both the patient and the medical staff, and create honest communication at eye level?
Digitization also offers the healthcare sector the opportunity to improve the quality of healthcare through improved processes, information flow and networking.
In turn, the needs of patients can be better met.
- Securely and quickly share patient data with electronic health records and digital tools
- Better communication and collaboration between medical staff, caregivers and patients
- More control for patients over their health data
- Increased transparency with access to health care quality information
- Overall improvement in quality, efficiency and transparency in patient care through digitization
Patients should also prepare for their medical appointments.
To make this even easier, practical tips and instructions are helpful.
- for the preparation
- for the behavior during an appointment
- for the time after
- What does Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit actually stand for?
The topic of patient safety is to be firmly anchored as an independent goal and central value in the healthcare system. - Who can contribute here? – All!
Because medical professionals as well as citizens and patients can support the demands of Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit and stand up for patient safety!
What does ewimed do on the subject of patient safety?
The patient has always been the focus at ewimed.
That’s why safety is a top priority for us.
1. safety with our products
We want to make things as easy and safe as possible for you as a patient:
- All ewimed products for the drainage of pleural effusions and ascites function according to the lock-and-key principle. With the help of our unique plug-in connection, misconnections are avoided.
PDF: Safety solution for connectors - Self-locking safety valve
The catheters have a valve that locks automatically when the introducer pin is removed from the reservoir. This prevents the effusion from escaping unintentionally. - Integrated Heimlich valve in the ewimed Pneu-Pack and the ewimed gravity reservoir
This special valve prevents air from flowing back to the patient, thus providing maximum safety. - Development of own product innovations
Our development department enables us to develop products closely in line with the requirements of patients and clinics. For example, we have integrated micro-silver in our drainova® ArgentiC catheter. Silver has antimicrobial properties, reducing the risk of infection for our patients.
2. the patient in focus - the ewimed care concept
At ewimed, the patient has always come first!
With our specially developed ewimed care concept, we ensure that you as a patient receive a complete, rapid and personalized briefing for optimal care at home after implantation of the catheter.
“The knowledgeable knows and inquires, but the ignorant does not even know what to inquire about.” – Quote from India.
After you are discharged from the hospital, a training representative will contact you to schedule a training appointment. At this training session, you will perform your first drainage at home together. During this process, the ewimed training staff will explain the drainage procedure to you in detail and answer your questions.
Our supply concept
explained in 2 minutes
3. our training concept for medical staff
Our training staff is trained in the subject matter and handling of the drainage systems by our competent field staff.
Healthcare professionals and physicians also receive extensive training from our on-site sales representatives.
We reliably assist the doctors and, if required, also accompany them during implantations
4. patient safety and implantation
Compared to other treatment options, implantation of our indwelling catheters offers additional advantages:
- very low infection rate (below 3%)
- fewer complications
- Local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia
What can you do yourself as a patient?
As a patient, you too can improve your patient safety!
If possible, find out about risks before starting medical treatment or hospitalization.
Talk openly with your doctor and the medical staff, have the courage to ask all the questions that come to mind and follow up on any uncertainties.
You would like to know more?
On the website of the Patient Safety Action Alliance https://www.aps-ev.de/ you will find further information and documents.
