Professor Annegret Hannawa delivers keynote at WHO Global Consultation on Diagnostic Safety

In recognition of World Patient Safety Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) hosted a global consultation on "Improving Diagnostic Safety and Implementing the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030" from 10-12 September 2024 in Geneva. This event marked a pivotal moment in global efforts to reduce diagnostic errors and promote innovative solutions for enhanced patient safety.

Prof. Dr. Annegret Hannawa, a communication science professor at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), has been invited by WHO to deliver the keynote address on 11 September. In her speech, Prof. Hannawa underscored the critical role of effective communication in preventing patient harm, particularly in the uncertain and complex circumstances common to medical diagnostics: "In moments of uncertainty, when information is incomplete and the stakes are high, communication is not just an accessory—it is an essential safety tool to guide the right course of action. Only through successful interpersonal communication can we avoid errors and ensure patient safety."

Diagnostic errors remain a significant challenge in healthcare systems worldwide. According to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 5% of patients in outpatient settings experience diagnostic errors. In hospitals, these errors contribute to 6-17% of adverse events, highlighting the need for urgent action. According to Prof. Hannawa, interpersonal communication is the most innate mechanism we have at our disposal to prevent or correct such errors before they result in patient harm.

Prof. Hannawa’s research and her role at USI emphasise the importance of fostering communication as a core safety strategy in healthcare. "Communication is not just a technique—it’s the foundation of safe practice," she states, advocating for the use of communication as a means to overcome diagnostic uncertainties and enhance patient outcomes.

For more information on the WHO consultation and USI’s role in advancing patient safety, visit WHO Global Consultation.