Quality of care and patient safety: the role of patients and families

Abstract

This essay sought to discuss the role of patients and families in quality of care and patient safety. Traditionally, the role of health professionals –  especially physicians – has been predominant in  discussing and defining what constitutes high-quality  health care. However, other actors have been  recognized in the contemporary debate on the quality of care and, in particular, patient safety and  centrality  of care. The patient’s role in the quality of care and  even their protagonism in identifying the main  problems in the provision of care and how to  contribute to safer care are highlighted. Initially,  discusses the role of patients and relatives in the  quality of care and patient safety. Then, the factors  that influence and hinder their participation are discussed. Finally, strategies for increasing patient  participation are proposed. Patients and families can  play an essential role in improving the quality of  health care and patient safety. However, they must be  actively involved in making this happen, with their  contributions considered in an environment favorable  to a just safety culture.