Ant Melder, PatientSafe Network and Dr. Robert Hackett Champion New Healthcare Initiative
Host/Havas executive creative director Ant Melder has joined forces with Dr. Robert Hackett and PatientSafe Network to help drive forward a breakthrough initiative around patient safety, supported by Host/Havas.
The initiative has launched following a finding from the British Medical Journal that medical error is the third biggest cause of death, after disease and stroke. Exact figures are difficult to confirm due to lack of transparency, however World Health Organisation data shows that communication errors are the root cause of the majority of adverse events in hospitals.
The initiative has launched following a finding from the British Medical Journal that medical error is the third biggest cause of death, after disease and stroke. Exact figures are difficult to confirm due to lack of transparency, however World Health Organisation data shows that communication errors are the root cause of the majority of adverse events in hospitals.
Working as agitators for change, the team developed a concept to improve communication and reduce mistakes in hospitals and theatres. The idea was simple - have healthcare professionals write their name and role on their scrub cap. The simplicity of the idea meant that the team didn't require millions of dollars to put it together or have to wait years to conduct research and trials.
A group of doctors and medical staff in Australia took part, changing the culture from anonymous to accountable, with potential confusion dramatically reduced through clearer communication and collaboration. The hashtag #theatrecapchallenge has already generated social media discussion.
Says Melder: "The idea is a great example of simple and creative problem-solving for a major worldwide issue. I'm proud to be playing a role in helping spread the word about #theatrecapchallenge and the patient safety movement in general. We are aiming to help implement many more patient safety ideas, so watch this space."
Says Dr. Hackett: "It's been fantastic to work with Ant and leverage his industry expertise to help drive forward what has become a global movement. The results speak for themselves. Front line staff are becoming increasingly aware that changes for improved patient care will need to be driven from the front line. We will continue to put our efforts towards improving communication, collaboration and safety in healthcare in the months to come."
A group of doctors and medical staff in Australia took part, changing the culture from anonymous to accountable, with potential confusion dramatically reduced through clearer communication and collaboration. The hashtag #theatrecapchallenge has already generated social media discussion.
Says Melder: "The idea is a great example of simple and creative problem-solving for a major worldwide issue. I'm proud to be playing a role in helping spread the word about #theatrecapchallenge and the patient safety movement in general. We are aiming to help implement many more patient safety ideas, so watch this space."
Says Dr. Hackett: "It's been fantastic to work with Ant and leverage his industry expertise to help drive forward what has become a global movement. The results speak for themselves. Front line staff are becoming increasingly aware that changes for improved patient care will need to be driven from the front line. We will continue to put our efforts towards improving communication, collaboration and safety in healthcare in the months to come."
