Assessing the Efficacy of Risk Management Strategies in Healthcare Institutions for Error Reduction and Patient Safety Enhancement

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of risk management strategies employed in tertiary care hospitals in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety

Study Design: Cross sectional observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, from January 2022 to September2023.

Methods: A stratified random sampling was used to select healthcare professionals and administrative personnel for this cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire assessed the extant risk management strategies, the frequency of medical errors, and the perceived effectiveness of existing practices. By comparing questionnaire results with hospital records using statistical methods such as chi-square tests and logistic regression, data triangulation was employed.

Results: Among 354 respondents, 133 were male and 221 were female. At 139 incidents, medication errors were the most prevalent, followed by diagnostic (48), surgical (28), and administrative (20) errors. The average score for "Regular Training and Education" was 4.2, while "Standardized Protocols" received 4.1. All risk management practices demonstrated statistically significant effects on patient safety (p<0.05), with "Standardized Protocols" obtaining the greatest risk reduction (70%)of all the practices.

Conclusion: Risk management strategies, particularly "Regular Training and Education" and "Standardized Protocols," reduced medical errors by substantial amount. The research highlighted the importance of evidence-based practices for enhancing patient safety in healthcare settings.