World Patient Safety Day
17 September 2024
A diagnosis identifies a patient’s health problem. To reach a diagnosis, patients and their health care teams must work together to navigate the complex and sometimes lengthy diagnostic process. It involves discussion with the patient, examination, testing and review of results before reaching the final diagnosis and treatment. Errors can occur at any stage and can have significant consequences. Delayed, incorrect or missed diagnosis can prolong illness and sometimes cause disability or even death.
The theme for this year’s World Patient Safety Day’s is focused on improving diagnosis for patient safety, using the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!”. On the day, patients and families, health workers, health care leaders, policy makers and civil society will emphasize the pivotal role of correct and timely diagnosis in improving patient safety.
Campaign materials can be found on the campaign essentials page
Campaign key messages
Correct and timely diagnosis is the first step to preventative interventions and effective treatment.
Diagnostic errors account for 16% of preventable patient harm and are common in all health care settings. Diagnostic errors can include missed, incorrect, delayed or miscommunicated diagnoses. They can worsen patient outcomes and at times lead to prolonged or severe illness disability, or even death, and increased health care costs.
Understanding the diagnostic process is key to reducing errors.
The diagnostic process involves many iterative steps, including the patient’s initial presentation; history taking and examination; diagnostic testing, discussion, and communication of results; collaboration and coordination; final diagnosis and treatment plan; follow-up and re-evaluation. Errors can occur at any stage.
A range of solutions are available to address diagnostic errors.
Policy-makers and health care leaders should foster positive workplace environments and provide quality diagnostic tools; health workers should be encouraged to continuously develop their skills and address unconscious bias in judgement; and patients should be supported to be actively engaged throughout their diagnostic journey.
Diagnosis is a team effort.
Correct and timely diagnosis requires collaboration among patients, families, caregivers, health workers, health care leaders and policy-makers. All stakeholders must be engaged in shaping the diagnostic process and empowered to voice any concerns.
Light up a monument
On 17 September, let's cast an orange glow across the globe to highlight the importance of correct and timely diagnosis for patient safety. Light up buildings, landmarks, and monuments into beacons of our shared commitment. This year, WHO will illuminate the iconic Jet d’Eau in Geneva as a symbol of our dedication.
Join the global wave and brighten the night for diagnostic safety!