Why are patients not more involved in their own safety? A questionnaire-based survey in a multi-ethnic North London hospital population.

Yoong W, Assassi Z, Ahmedani I, et al. Postgrad Med J. 2019;95:266-270.

Engaging patients as partners in safety is considered a best practice. Some patients may feel more comfortable raising concerns than others. This survey study involving 175 patients at a single hospital in London found that 80% of respondents would not remind health care personnel about appropriate hand hygiene practices for fear of offending them. The study also suggests that patient age, gender, and English proficiency are important factors to consider with regard to optimally engaging patients in safety.

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