Healthcare Management Americas (HMA) is playing a key role in global efforts to improve patient safety. Since mid-2024, HMA has been actively participating as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Patient Safety Culture Guidance Working Group. This working group is developing a new instrument to measure patient safety culture and will provide recommendations for strengthening health systems globally.

This initiative is an essential part of the Global Action Plan for Patient Safety 2021-2030, which defines the WHO’s strategy to eliminate preventable harm in healthcare settings. The plan highlights the importance of leadership, effective governance, and a safety-first culture at all levels of healthcare delivery.

HMA’s involvement includes identifying critical gaps in current safety practices, supporting the development of global guidelines, and promoting a safety-oriented culture in healthcare institutions. A fundamental pillar of the plan is the active participation of patients and their families in healthcare processes. When well-informed and involved in treatment decisions, patients play a crucial role in preventing medical errors and improving clinical outcomes.

The initiative also prioritizes the training and protection of healthcare workers, ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to provide safe, high-quality care. As part of this global mission, HMA is driving the transformation of healthcare systems in Latin America by promoting and incorporating patient safety into all policies and practices. Together with the WHO, the goal is to create a world where all patients receive care that is not only effective but also eliminates preventable harm.