DRIVING
PATIENT SAFETY FORWARD
European Patient Safety Foundation is an independent foundation, uniting experts and leading organisations to drive patient safety forward across Europe.
1 / 10
1 in every 10 patients is harmed in health care. (1)
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3m
3 million deaths occur annually due to unsafe care. (1)
13%
The direct cost
of treating patients who have been harmed during their care approaches 13% of health spending. (2)
50%
Above 50% of harm (1 in every 20 patients) is preventable. (1)
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LATEST NEWS
WELL-BEING AND SAFETY OF THE HEALTHCARE WORKERS
IMPLEMENTATION
CHALLENGES
PATIENT INVOLVEMENT
LEADERSHIP, TEAM & ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE
SAFETY
CULTURE
WORKING THEMES
ANNUAL PATIENT SAFETY CONFERENCE
Every year, in addition to other campaigns and activities, EUPSF organises a conference dedicated to patient safety key issues and latest developments.
2024 PATIENT SAFETY CONFERENCE
At a time when the potential of technological innovation to improve patient safety and patient outcomes is increasingly undeniable, tangible results are still a long way off. What are the missing links that prevent the vision of breakthrough digital solutions from translating into genuine improvements in patient safety and outcomes?
Rethinking patient safety: Evolving roles and responsibilities in a changing healthcare
Healthcare is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by digital innovation and medical advancements. At the same time, rising demand for care and financial constraints are putting pressure on how resources are allocated, from staffing decisions to investment priorities. Workforce shortages further complicate this landscape, requiring healthcare systems to adapt while ensuring safe, high-quality care.
One of the main challenges this evolving landscape poses in terms of patient safety is the reshaping of roles and responsibilities within healthcare settings. As automation and data-powered solutions are implemented to support and enhance decision-making, professionals must adapt to new ways of working while ensuring that human oversight remains central to patient safety. The introduction of new treatments, technologies, and care models, such as patient-centred and home-based care, requires continuous adjustments in safety practices.
Workforce shortages in many countries, especially in the nursing sector, are driving a redistribution of tasks among healthcare professionals, often beyond traditional professional boundaries, introducing new categories of risks. In Europe, the growing migration of doctors and nurses across borders brings additional challenges, as linguistic and cultural differences can impact communication, teamwork, and patient understanding, requiring new approaches to ensure safe, coordinated care.
No doubt, traditional patient safety approaches, focused on detecting and analysing risks after they occur, have been instrumental so far in improving care. However, in a system that is transforming so rapidly in many aspects, patient safety must evolve to anticipate risks and accompany changes, rather than react to them. Strengthening past efforts remains essential, but new strategies are needed to ensure that safety is proactively embedded into every shift in care delivery. However, while hospital managers work to address pressing challenges like workforce retention, cybersecurity, financial balance, and sustainability, fully integrate patient safety into strategic thinking remains difficult, even though doing so could enhance overall resilience and provide long-term solutions.
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This conference will not only focus on risks but also on solutions: how to anticipate rather than react, how to leverage innovation without increasing complexity, and how to support those who carry the responsibility for safety every day. By bringing together all key stakeholders, we aim to reposition patient safety as an adaptable, forward-looking priority in healthcare systems that are constantly evolving.
This EUPSF award, inspired by the "butterfly effect" honours innovative and accessible practices that have a measurable, positive impact on patient safety.
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2024 BIAPS WINNER
The ERNST Consortium (COST Action 19113): The European Researchers’ Network Working on Second Victims.
Presented by Prof. José Joaquín Mira of Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Spain, and Prof. Dr. Reinhard Strametz of Wiesbaden Institute for Healthcare Economics and Patient Safety (WiHelP), Germany, this project supports healthcare professionals experiencing emotional distress following patient safety incidents, commonly known as “second-victim syndrome.” Through a collaborative network, the ERNST Consortium provides essential resources to reduce long-term psychological impacts on these professionals, ultimately enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
AFFILIATE
BENEFITS
Collaborative projects
Possibility to contribute to development and implementation of projects.
Network
Access to European multidisciplinary network promoting the exchange of
knowledge and best practices.
EUPSF Governance
Being part of the Council of Affiliates with real impact on the steering of the
Foundation and possibility to be part of the EUPSF Board.
Patient Safety Conference
Invitation to participate in the programme of the conference;
One complimentary conference registration
Visibility
Promotion of the collaboration and partnership and patient safety commitment
on www.eupsf.org and project websites.
STRONGER
TOGETHER
We are proud to be working with leading patient safety experts and organisations across Europe. We accelerate implementation of patient safety initiatives by creating a united network who share knowledge, tools and recommendations.
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