Patient safety colloquium 2025: “Safe care for every patient, every time”
Rn Gowdham P1, Vishalakshi2
1Senior Nurse Educator, Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli
2Chief Nursing Officer, Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli
Introduction
The Department of Nursing at Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli, organized a full-day academic program titled “Patient Safety Colloquium 2025: Safe Care for Every Patient, Every Time” on the 17th of September 2025. The event served as a platform to reinforce and promote the principles of patient safety across all levels of healthcare practice. The colloquium aimed to create awareness, encourage knowledge exchange, and enhance multidisciplinary collaboration in ensuring safe and high-quality patient care.
The program was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Dr. (Lt. Col.) Mahendra Kumar, Medical Director, Mrs. Vishalakshi B, Chief Nursing Officer, Dr Aprna, Medical Admin, and Mrs. Deepthi Ravindranath, Senior General Manager. The event commenced with the lamp lighting, symbolizing the light of knowledge and safety, performed by the dignitaries. This was followed by a devotional song rendered by Staff Nurse Ms. Preethi from the Emergency Department, setting a serene and inspiring tone for the day.
The Welcome Address was delivered by RN RM Gowdham Pannirselvam, Senior Nurse Educator and Organizing Chairperson, who warmly greeted the gathering and emphasized the importance of integrating patient safety into every aspect of nursing and clinical practice. The Guest Address was delivered by the Medical Director, who spoke on the necessity of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability in achieving patient-centered outcomes. The Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Vishalakshi B, addressed the audience with an inspiring message on the pivotal role of nurses in fostering a culture of safety and compassion in healthcare.
The entire day’s proceedings were skilfully anchored by Ms. Najirin, Staff Nurse, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Savitha V. N., Deputy Nursing Superintendent, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organizers for their valuable contributions to the success of the colloquium.
Title: Learning from Errors – Moving from Blame to Improvement
Resource Person: Ms. Blessy Samuel, Assistant Manager – Quality Department
Abstract
The presentation by Ms. Blessy Samuel highlighted the critical need for a paradigm shift in healthcare institutions—from assigning blame to fostering a culture of learning and system improvement. The session explored how adverse events should serve as opportunities for education, preventive action, and process refinement rather than as occasions for fault-finding or punitive measures.
Report
In her address, Ms. Blessy Samuel discussed the fundamental concepts of patient safety, focusing on the transition from traditional blame-based models to learning-oriented systems. She emphasized that errors are inevitable in complex healthcare environments, and the focus should be on identifying system vulnerabilities that contribute to them. Drawing upon the Swiss Cheese Model, she illustrated how multiple small system flaws, when aligned, can lead to major adverse events. By addressing these latent conditions, organizations can prevent future errors.
The presentation emphasized the role of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as a structured approach to incident investigation. Ms. Blessy explained that RCA promotes transparency, teamwork, and accountability while avoiding individual blame. She highlighted the importance of cultivating a just culture, where employees are encouraged to report near misses and safety concerns without fear of retribution. The session concluded by reaffirming that patient safety must evolve from a reactive model to a proactive system of continuous learning and quality enhancement.
Title: Prevention of Medication Error from the Patient’s Aspect
Resource Person: RN RM Gowdham Pannirselvam, Senior Nurse Educator
Abstract
The session led by RN RM Gowdham Pannirselvam focused on the epidemiology, causes, and prevention of medication errors with a unique emphasis on the patient’s role in ensuring safety. The discussion provided a comprehensive overview of global and national statistics, contributing factors, and preventive strategies, while emphasizing the importance of empowering patients through education and participation.
Report
Medication errors continue to be among the most significant causes of preventable harm in healthcare globally. RN Gowdham presented detailed statistical data revealing that the World Health Organization estimates the annual global cost of medication errors at approximately $42 billion USD. He also highlighted alarming national figures, with studies in Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu reporting error rates of 25.7%, 15.34%, and 42.5% respectively.
The session explored the **five stages of the medication process—prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring—**where errors are most likely to occur. Each stage was discussed in the context of human, environmental, and systemic factors contributing to error incidence. RN Gowdham emphasized the importance of the Ten Rights of Medication Administration and the Five Moments of Medication Safety, which together form a robust framework for preventing errors at the bedside.
He also discussed patient education as a vital preventive measure, encouraging nurses to involve patients in verifying medications, understanding dosage schedules, and recognizing potential side effects. The session concluded with the reminder that every medication error should be seen not as a failure, but as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve patient care.
Title: Infection Prevention and Control – New Challenges for Patient Safety
Resource Person: Mr. Vinay M. N., Infection Control Supervisor
Abstract
Mr. Vinay M. N.’s session addressed the rising challenges in infection prevention and control, focusing on the implementation of evidence-based bundles and strategies to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The discussion included ventilator-associated events, catheter-associated infections, and surgical site infection prevention protocols.
Report
Infection control remains an ongoing challenge within hospitals, with HAIs posing serious risks to patient outcomes. Mr. Vinay presented detailed insights into the structured implementation of infection prevention bundles, emphasizing their effectiveness in minimizing infection rates. He explained that adherence to evidence-based protocols—such as hand hygiene, aseptic technique, and routine audits—plays a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired infections like VAP, CLABSI, CAUTI, and SSI.
He further elaborated on the significance of standard precautions (including hand hygiene, PPE use, and safe waste disposal) and transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet, and airborne) depending on the infection type. Mr. Vinay highlighted the role of continuous surveillance, reporting systems, and staff education in maintaining high infection control standards. The session concluded by emphasizing that infection prevention is not an isolated department function but a shared commitment across all healthcare professionals.
Title: Patient Safety as a Core Value in Healthcare, Especially for Paediatrics
Resource Person: Mrs. Vishalakshi B, Chief Nursing Officer
Abstract
Mrs. Vishalakshi’s session underscored patient safety as the moral and professional foundation of healthcare. Focusing on paediatric safety, she discussed the unique challenges faced in caring for children, where errors can have magnified consequences. She stressed the importance of leadership commitment, continuous education, and teamwork in cultivating a culture of safety. The presentation highlighted the role of communication with families, vigilance in medication dosing, and prevention of hospital-acquired infections among children. Mrs. Vishalakshi concluded that safety must be an institutional value embedded into every practice, policy, and professional mindset, ensuring that every child receives care that is both safe and compassionate.
Title: Importance of Nurses in Safe Surgery and Anaesthesia Practices
Resource Person: Mrs. Savitha, Deputy Nursing Superintendent
Abstract
Mrs. Savitha’s session explored the pivotal role of nurses in perioperative safety, from preoperative preparation to postoperative recovery. She emphasized the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist as a vital tool for preventing surgical errors and ensuring seamless team communication. The lecture highlighted how nurses act as coordinators and advocates for patients, ensuring that every step—from patient identification to anaesthetic monitoring—is performed with precision and care. Mrs. Savitha underscored the importance of aseptic practices, teamwork, and situational awareness in preventing complications. Her presentation concluded that surgical safety depends on collaboration, accountability, and the unwavering vigilance of the nursing team.
Title: Medication Safety – Preventing Errors and Adverse Events
Resource Person: Dr. Subin C. Babu, Clinical Pharmacologist
Abstract
Dr. Subin’s lecture provided an evidence-based exploration of medication safety from a pharmacological perspective. He discussed the impact of adverse drug events and the importance of pharmacovigilance systems to identify and prevent medication-related harm. The session included strategies such as electronic prescribing, barcode verification, and interdisciplinary collaboration between pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. Dr. Subin emphasized the necessity of medication reconciliation during transitions of care and advocated for patient education to prevent errors after discharge. The presentation concluded that medication safety is a shared ethical responsibility requiring technological innovation, communication, and teamwork.
Title: Certified Course in Pressure Injury Management
Resource Person: Ms. Catherine Guwal, Zonal Manager, Arjohuntleigh
Abstract
Ms. Catherine conducted a certified course on pressure injury prevention and management, providing a comprehensive understanding of skin integrity preservation and wound care. The session covered the anatomy of the skin, the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers, and preventive strategies such as frequent repositioning, nutritional optimization, and the use of advanced support surfaces. Participants were trained on tools like the Braden Scale and PUSH Tool for risk assessment and healing evaluation. The course incorporated practical demonstrations using Arjohuntleigh’s specialized equipment. Ms. Catherine concluded that prevention through education and standardized practice is the most effective way to eliminate pressure injuries and improve patient comfort and outcomes.
Expression of gratitude
The Department of Nursing at Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli, extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. S. Vijaya Baskaran, Executive Chairman, for his visionary leadership and continuous encouragement in fostering a culture of patient safety and quality excellence. Heartfelt thanks are also conveyed to Mr. Wilfred Samson, Vice President, for his steadfast support and presence throughout the program. Special appreciation is extended to Dr. (Lt. Col.) Mahendra Kumar, Medical Director, and Dr. Aprna, Medical Administrator, for their invaluable guidance, inspiring address, and active contribution to the academic proceedings. The department also expresses deep thanks to Mrs. Vishalakshi B, Chief Nursing Officer, for her constant mentorship and commitment to nursing education and professional development. The organizing committee extends warm appreciation to all resource persons, delegates, and participants for their enthusiastic involvement, insightful discussions, and dedication to improving patient safety practices. Their collective efforts and active engagement made the Patient Safety Colloquium 2025 a remarkable success.
Conclusion
The Patient Safety Colloquium 2025 successfully unified healthcare professionals under a common goal—to ensure safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care for every patient. Each session emphasized the multidimensional nature of patient safety, from infection control and medication safety to surgical precision and wound prevention. The active participation of nursing leaders, educators, and clinicians made the event a hallmark of professional growth and institutional excellence. The Department of Nursing at Kauvery Hospital reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continuous learning and the advancement of safety culture within healthcare.
REPORT PREPARED BY
Sr. Nurse Educator, KMH
REVIEWED BY
Mrs.
CNO
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