Enhancing Diagnostic and Patient Safety in Healthcare Systems: Key Insights from the World Patient Safety Day 2024 Commemoration in Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorTuryasiima, Munanura
dc.contributor.authorNiwampeire, Prima
dc.contributor.authorSsendyona, Martin
dc.contributor.authorAkot, Balbina
dc.contributor.authorAcheng, Miriam
dc.contributor.authorKatongole, Simon
dc.contributor.authorOkware, Joseph
dc.contributor.authorTumwikirize, Juliet
dc.contributor.authorMutesasira, Kenneth
dc.contributor.authorAtepo, Joshua
dc.contributor.authorKaitiritimba, Robinah
dc.contributor.authorEpuitai, Joshua
dc.contributor.authorTumwesigye, Benson
dc.contributor.authorTurinawe, Gaston
dc.contributor.authorMutumba, Robert
dc.contributor.authorNdifuna, Martin
dc.contributor.authorMusinguzi, Geofrey
dc.contributor.authorKemigisa, Denise
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-05T09:31:19Z
dc.date.available2025-06-05T09:31:19Z
dc.date.issued2025-05
dc.description.abstractBackground The 4th World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) 2024 commemoration in Uganda, themed “Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety”, highlighted critical challenges and opportunities in reducing diagnostic errors within healthcare systems. This review synthesizes key insights from the event, focusing on factors contributing to diagnostic inaccuracies, systemic gaps, and actionable strategies for improvement. Methods Using a qualitative synthesis approach guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ), we analyzed data from a hybrid webinar (210 participants) and a four-day medical camp (600+ patients served). Thematic analysis identified four key areas: (i) factors influencing diagnostic errors, (ii) the role of laboratory and imaging services in diagnosis error prevention, (iii) existing health system interventions, and (iv) patient empowerment in the diagnostic process. Results Diagnostic errors in Uganda stem from cognitive biases, systemic inefficiencies (eg, understaffing, inadequate equipment), and financial barriers in private healthcare. Strengthening laboratory capacity, digitizing health records, and enhancing provider-patient communication emerged as pivotal solutions. The Ministry of Health’s initiatives such as laboratory accreditation, the 5S quality improvement framework, and patient feedback mechanisms demonstrate progress but require scaling. Recommendations We propose a multi-level approach: (1) national policies for error reporting and patient safety frameworks, (2) expanded supportive supervision and digitization (eg, EHRs with decision support), (3) stricter regulation of private healthcare, and (4) community engagement to improve health literacy and early care-seeking. Conclusion Reducing diagnostic errors demands systemic reforms, technological integration, and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Uganda’s WPSD 2024 insights offer a model for similar low-resource settings to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
dc.identifier.citationMunanura Turyasiima, Prima Maria Niwampeire, Martin Ssendyona, Balbina Gillian Akot, Miriam Acheng, Simon Peter Katongole, Joseph Okware, Juliet Tumwikirize, Kenneth Mutesasira, Joshua Atepo, Robinah Kaitiritimba, Joshua Epuitai, Benson Tuhwezeine Tumwesigye, Gaston Turinawe, Robert Mutumba, Martin Ndifuna, Geofrey Musinguzi & Denise Asaba Kemigisa
dc.identifier.doi10.2147/dhps.s520743
dc.identifier.issn1179-1365
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S520743
dc.identifier.urihttps://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/11838
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherInforma UK Limited
dc.relation.ispartofDrug, Healthcare and Patient Safety
dc.titleEnhancing Diagnostic and Patient Safety in Healthcare Systems: Key Insights from the World Patient Safety Day 2024 Commemoration in Uganda
dc.typejournal-article
oaire.citation.volumeVolume 17
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