Patient safety

Strengthening capacity for patient safety research

The emphasis is on strengthening and scaling up sustainable capacity through developing institutional competency and mainstreaming research programmes within existing health systems. The goal is to build competency in patient safety research, particularly in developing and transitional countries.

The work is focused around the three key areas of funding research activities, training leaders in patient safety research and developing a global network for research on patient safety.

Progress to date

An expert consultation co-chaired by Professor Sally Davies and Dr Somsak Chunharas was convened in late 2006 to reflect on strategies and opportunities for increasing the capacity for research on patient safety worldwide.

As a result of this exercise the research programme recommended new strategic directions in the areas listed above.

Latest developments

In response to the recommendations from the expert consultation, an expert working group has been established to develop education and training opportunities for improving research capacity.

An expert group will also be set up for the small grants programme aiming to provide seed-funding for promising new research projects.

Other areas of work

  • Reporting & Learning
    WHO Draft Guidelines for Adverse Event Reporting and Learning Systems to improve the safety of patient care.

Contact us

To contact the research team, please email psresearch@who.int