Patient safety for children is not only an ethical obligation, but also an investment in the future

19.09.2023 18:15

On the occasion of World Patient Safety Day on September 17th, which this year has the motto: “Strengthening the voice of patients”, the German Society for Pediatric Surgery (DGKCH) points out that patient safety for children is not just an ethical obligation society, but also an investment in the future.

“Especially in surgical pediatric medicine, it is important to take measures to ensure the safety of small patients in the hospital, but also in outpatient medical care. From the perspective of pediatric surgeons, dealing openly with errors is an essential prerequisite for improving patient safety for children. However, it is better than carrying out error analysis to take measures to avoid errors,” explains PD Dr. med. Barbara Ludwikowski, President of the DGKCH.

The specialist society therefore particularly calls for all facilities that treat children to:

• To promote communication with children and their families to understand and address their concerns, wishes and expectations
• To create a child-friendly environment that is safe and comfortable for children
• Adapting guidelines, protocols and standards to child-specific requirements
• The training and sensitization of health personnel for the special features of pediatric medicine

The implementation of these measures in all areas that treat children contributes to increasing the safety of treatment for children. The children and their relatives must be able to rely on being cared for professionally and competently at all times by staff who are trained in the specifics of pediatric medicine. This is the only way to maintain and strengthen the trust of children and their parents in our health system.