Asian Journal of Medical Principles and Clinical Practice

Patient Safety in Nigerian Health Care Facilities: A Review

Kenneth, Karadobii Queen *

Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Onuoha, Uchechi Stanislaus

Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Dimkpa, Barinem Mary

Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background: Patient safety has been regarded as the basic structure which enhances the reduction of risk and adverse effects in health care. However, in various healthcare systems, guaranteeing patient safety is a challenging problem. The Nigerian health system presents patient safety concerns and opportunities. Therefore, the aim of this review was to examine the strategies for ensuring patient safety in health care facilities in the Nigerian health care system. Method: This review synthesizes the literatures on each tier's risk mitigation, patient outcomes, and patient safety initiatives. Results: Findings revealed that challenges in patient safety culture in the Nigeria Health System occur as a result of limited resources, poor regulation, inadequate training and education, and limited use of technology among other factors. Strategies proposed to tackle these problems in the three levels of care included strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers through training and retraining, improving infection prevention and control measures, implementing patient safety protocols and guidelines, among others. Conclusion: Patient safety procedures must be tailored to each tier of the Nigerian health system. Healthcare stakeholders can collaborate to improve patient safety, clinical outcomes, and Nigeria's healthcare delivery by acknowledging these levels' different challenges as well as seek to implement these strategies wholesomely.

Keywords: Nigerian health system, patient safety, primary healthcare, secondary healthcare, tertiary healthcare

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