Pharmacy, Medicine and Nursing Support Canadian Patient Safety Week

Edmonton , Nov. 2 /CNW/ - The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), the Alberta College of Pharmacists (ACP) and the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) agree that good healthcare starts with good communication, this year's message for Canadian Patient Safety Week, Nov. 2-6, 2009. While health-care delivery is undergoing tremendous change, the role of registered nurses, physicians and pharmacists as advocates for patient safety is more important than ever.

"Good communication is the cornerstone of safe, effective and appropriate patient care," observes ACP Registrar Greg Eberhart . "It means more than just giving out information; it means making sure that it is understood. Good communication means health professionals have the information to make informed decisions that effectively meet patients' needs. It empowers patients to be more engaged in their care. Ultimately, good communication results in safer and better care, better health, and more satisfied patients."

"Building respectful and collaborative work relationships through effective communication allows us to advocate for evidence-based approaches to patient safety," says CARNA President Joan Petruk . "For example, the substantial body of research showing that increased numbers of registered nurses on staff in hospitals results in fewer medical errors, fewer infections and even fewer deaths should be incorporated into staffing decisions."

"Effective communication is essential to the patient's medical experience," adds CPSA Registrar Dr. Trevor Theman . "It increases trust, satisfaction and comfort for patients and should be part of every health-care provider's skill set."

Together, CARNA, CPSA and ACP represent more than 42,000 health professionals including approximately 32,000 RNs, 6,200 physicians and 3,900 pharmacists.

The three regulatory colleges work together formally through a variety of professional networks such as the Federation of Regulated Health Professionals of Alberta and the Health Quality Network. Whether working in partnership or independently, the health professions never lose sight of their common priority: protecting the public interest.

Ask. Listen. Talk. Good healthcare starts with good communication is the theme of Canadian Patient Safety Week, Nov. 2-6, 2009, an annual event coordinated by the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) to increase awareness of patient safety issues.

For further information: or to arrange interviews, contact: Karen Mills, Alberta College of Pharmacists, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Margaret Ward-Jack, College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Kelly Eby, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]