In Pandemic’s Wake, We Must Recommit to Patient and Workforce Safety

In a new AHRQ Views blog, Director Robert Otto Valdez, Ph.D., M.H.S.A., describes the co-creation of a new public–private group that will recommit to ensuring the safety of patients and the healthcare workforce. Formation of the National Healthcare System Action Alliance to Advance Patient Safety was announced at a Nov. 14 HHS safety event attended by 800 people online and 200 in person. Attendees noted ongoing and new safety challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and voiced support for stronger efforts to protect patients and healthcare workers. Federal leaders cited an Institute for Healthcare Improvement  blueprint with timely solutions to persistent safety issues titled, Safer Together: A National Action Plan to Advance Patient Safety. And on Dec. 12, HHS published a new Request for Informationthat seeks public input on how the Action Alliance can be most effective; comments are due by Jan. 26. Access the blog post. To receive all blog posts, submit your email address and select “AHRQ Views Blog.”