Improving patient safety in Libya: the way forward

Background: Patient safety has become a major public health issue. The increasing number of adverse events in healthcare has led many countries around the world to establish new organisations, regulations and policies to tackle the issue of patient safety and provide high quality care, including in Libya. There is very limited research about the issue of patient safety in developing countries and in particular Libya. The level of patient harm in developing countries is very high. There is also a lack of systematic approach towards improving patient safety. Aim: This study aimed to develop a patient safety improvement framework for healthcare settings in Libya using a pragmatic approach based on lessons from UK and subject matter expertise. Methodology: The data used to develop the conceptual framework was collected using a triangulation design method which involved literature review, documentary analysis, focus groups and a Delphi study. The framework was validated through a mixed-methods approach using questionnaires and surveys. Results: The results showed that patient safety requires a systems approach that would start with regulations and policies, education and training, information technology, leadership and management as well as patient involvement and continuous monitoring. In Libya, the priorities were mainly linked to introducing a regulatory framework to enhance the quality of care. The results are also supported by Libyan healthcare professionals, who affirmed the need for medical education reform to raise awareness about patient safety among healthcare professionals. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that patient safety can be improved through the application of conceptual frameworks that are Libyan-oriented. This study developed a framework which will result in delivering a high quality of care to patient if established.