By: Professor Giorgi Pkhakadze, Chair and Founder of the “Public Health Institute of Georgia”
Quality in healthcare is not just about medical outcomes; it is about delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.
In Georgia, improving healthcare quality is essential for patient safety and long-term health outcomes. This article explores the connection between healthcare quality and patient safety, the challenges facing Georgian hospitals, and how initiatives like the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) are leading the way in promoting better care standards through health promotion, education, and patient involvement.
Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety: Inextricably Linked
Healthcare quality and patient safety go hand in hand. Poor quality healthcare can lead to errors, complications, and even death. Globally, one out of ten patients is harmed while receiving care, with millions of lives affected every year due to preventable errors. Ensuring high standards of care is crucial for minimizing these risks. In Georgia, the healthcare system faces a unique set of challenges—ranging from outdated practices to resource limitations. Addressing these issues requires a focus on improving healthcare quality across the board.
Challenges in Georgia’s Healthcare System
Despite progress, many Georgian hospitals still struggle with maintaining consistent healthcare quality. Some key challenges include outdated medical equipment, insufficient staff training, and the lack of a cohesive approach to patient safety. Furthermore, while legislation for healthcare quality exists, its implementation has been uneven, and healthcare providers often face challenges in meeting international standards. These gaps not only compromise patient safety but also the trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Professor Giorgi Pkhakadze emphasizes that “improving healthcare quality is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Every patient deserves to be treated with care that meets the highest standards, and that includes safety as a fundamental right.”
However, the landscape is shifting, with organizations like the Public Health Institute of Georgia at the forefront of the healthcare quality movement.
The Role of the Public Health Institute of Georgia
The Public Health Institute of Georgia has emerged as the first organization in the country dedicated to promoting healthcare quality through a range of initiatives. These include health promotion, health education, and supporting the establishment of patient councils in hospitals. As an independent body, the Institute acts as a secretariat for patient councils, ensuring that these councils function as an essential part of improving patient safety and care standards in hospitals.
The patient council initiative is groundbreaking in the Georgian healthcare system. These councils serve as platforms where patients and their families can voice their concerns, provide feedback, and work with hospital administrators to improve care. More than 20 hospitals across Georgia have started this process, creating a significant shift in how care is delivered and evaluated.
According to Professor Pkhakadze, “Patient councils are not just advisory bodies—they are a critical part of our healthcare reform. By giving patients a voice, we are ensuring that their needs and safety are prioritized in every decision that affects their care.”
Health Promotion and Health Education
The Public Health Institute of Georgia doesn’t stop at setting up patient councils. Health promotion and health education are two other critical components of their work, directly tied to improving the quality of healthcare in the country. By promoting healthier lifestyles and preventative care, the Institute aims to reduce the burden on the healthcare system, allowing hospitals to focus more on delivering high-quality care for complex cases.
Health education is equally important. Informed patients make better healthcare decisions, leading to fewer complications and better outcomes. The Institute works on patient education programs that help individuals understand their rights, their treatment options, and how to actively participate in their care. This shift towards informed patient involvement is a cornerstone of improving overall healthcare quality in Georgia.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Quality Improvement
The Public Health Institute of Georgia’s approach to healthcare quality is multi-faceted. By promoting a culture of safety, health education, and direct patient involvement, the Institute helps hospitals across the country adhere to higher standards. The establishment of patient councils is not only a symbolic gesture of transparency but a practical step toward better care. These councils offer patients a direct line of communication with hospital management, fostering a more patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, the Institute’s focus on health promotion helps reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, which are a significant strain on the healthcare system. By advocating for lifestyle changes and preventative care, they contribute to both public health and the overall quality of medical services.
As Professor Pkhakadze states, “Quality healthcare starts with informed, empowered patients. Our role is to ensure that both hospitals and patients understand that safety and quality are not negotiable—they are fundamental to a healthy society.”
Moving Forward: A Healthcare System Built on Quality and Safety
Improving the quality of healthcare in Georgia is not just about implementing regulations or upgrading technology—it’s about creating a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability. The Public Health Institute of Georgia is leading the charge, proving that patient safety and healthcare quality are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary goals that require continuous effort and innovation.
With over 20 hospitals already on board, and more expected to join, the Institute’s efforts are shaping a new standard of care in the country. As more hospitals adopt patient councils, and as public health campaigns continue to educate patients, Georgia is moving toward a healthcare system where quality and safety are at the forefront.
In this way, the Public Health Institute of Georgia is not only changing how healthcare is delivered but also creating a future where patients and their families have a voice, and their safety is protected as a fundamental right.
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