NPSF to Unveil Universal Patient Compact
In a nationwide effort to encourage and strengthen collaboration between patients, families, and their healthcare providers -- and create a powerful team for improved patient safety -- the National Patient Safety Foundation will introduce the Universal Patient Compact during Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 8-14.
The Universal Patient Compact builds on the principles contained in the Patient Bill of Rights to establish a mutual covenant between healthcare providers and their patients. While the Patient Bill of Rights focuses on the patient perspective, the compact is intended to create a clear understanding between the patient and the entire healthcare team about how they will work together.
Sparked by a unique roundtable discussion at the 2007 McKesson Nursing Leadership Congress, and developed by the NPSF, the compact speaks to the very essence of what should be expected from patients and providers alike, NPSF officials said. The theme for Patient Safety Awareness Week 2009 is “A Prescription for Patient Safety: One Partnership, One Team,” and the introduction of the Compact meshes perfectly with this critical mindset, according to the NPSF.
“The compact moves the patient voice to where it needs to be -- central to and integrated within the healthcare team -- rather than outside it,” commented Diane Pinakiewicz, NPSF president. “True partnering and strengthened relationships are the keys to delivering safe and high-quality care. We are optimistic and confident that the innovative and inclusive Universal Patient Compact will encourage adoption of this essential principle across healthcare.”
For additional information on the Universal Patient Compact and Patient Safety Awareness Week, visit www.npsf.org.