Ensuring patient safety: a case report on vigilance and noncompliance with healthcare regulations

Abstract

In February 2024, over 50 healthcare professionals and 3 health facilities in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), were sanctioned following a notorious case. This decision marks a historic moment for the city. Compliance with international healthcare standards and vigilance in daily practice are crucial. Global standards on patient safety place a premium on decision-making and communication in the context of patient transfer. The tragic death of a nurse following a delay in decision-making in the care process illustrates this. This paper reminds all healthcare personnel to comply with rules to ensure patients receive safe and respectful care. It analyzes the decision-making and practical process of patient transfer and information sharing in the healthcare continuity chain. The current case report also emphasizes the possibility of healthcare professionals becoming patients and experiencing adverse events. It is essential to remain vigilant and act reasonably at all times and places. To promote compliance with standard regulations and develop vigilance in health care delivery, the system operator needs to train and upgrade health workers at all levels of responsibility in international health management standards adapted to local conditions. In a country of continental dimensions, with little access to the Internet, an insufficient and disorganized road network, and a lack of public emergency medical aid services, the DRC government must implement a system for sharing patient information in real time between hospitals in case of need, while respecting ethical principles, and take the necessary measures to define priority lines and reserves for ambulances. © 2024 Korean Society of Global Health.