PFPSI was formed 12 years ago under a World Health Organisation programme. As defined by the WHO, PFPSI aims to engage and empower patients and families to be active partners and advocates in their own care. PFPSI members work in partnership and collaboration with health professionals and policy-makers to make health services safer in Ireland and enable the patient voice to be heard fully https://www.who.int/initiatives/patients-for-patient-safety).
Our framework for action is the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030. The GPSAP has been adopted by the Department of Health and HSE in Ireland. We also advocate for the adoption of the WHO Patient Safety Rights Charter at every level of healthcare in Ireland.
Engaging and empowering people is Commitment 1 of the HSE Patient Safety Strategy 2019-2024. It is also one of the five strategies of the WHO global strategy on people-centred and integrated health services (PCIHS) and a key element of quality Universal Healthcare.
Every person will access healthcare at some point. We advocate for a joined-up approach to patient empowerment through health literacy across education, healthcare and communities. The aim of this initiative is to empower everybody in Ireland with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be active partners and advocates for their own care and that of their loved ones. The Health Literacy Initiative is supported and endorsed by the largest advocacy groups in Ireland as well as the WHO, ISQua and other national and international groups. We wish to acknowledge the support and guidance of the International Health Literacy Association.
Patients for Patient Safety Ireland is always seeking new members. More info on [email protected] or https://patientsforpatientsafety.ie/
