WHO/Europe to host series of events in Athens to strengthen quality of care and patient safety across Region

In an era of rapid health-care transformation, innovation is critical in building resilient, equitable and patient-centred health systems. To support countries in achieving this goal, the WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens, Greece, will host 3 interrelated events on 9–12 December 2024: The Hackathon on Gaming for Patient Safety (9 December), the 2nd Meeting of the Minds on Quality of Care (10–11 December) and the 2nd Meeting of the WHO European Quality of Care and Patient Safety Focal Points Network (12 December). 

Aligned with the European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 – “United Action for Better Health”, which emphasizes universal access to quality care, and in recognition of Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December, these events will highlight cutting-edge approaches to health-care improvement, fostering collaboration, dialogue and action to enhance the quality of care and patient safety across the WHO European Region. From game-changing innovation and co-creation to advancing regional collaboration, these events share a common goal: to inspire transformative approaches that tackle current challenges and shape the future of health-care quality.

Hackathon on Gaming for Patient Safety 

This event focuses on utilizing gaming and simulation to advance patient safety. Following preparatory workshops, participants will convene in Athens to learn how to:

• gamify patient safety education for health-care professionals and patients
• use simulation-based methods to enhance communication and teamwork
• leverage gaming to reduce risks and improve decision-making in health care
• empower patients through interactive, gaming-driven safety education
• evaluate and scale innovative solutions for sustainable impact.

2nd Meeting of the Minds on Quality of Care  

This meeting provides a unique platform for dialogue, reflection and collaboration on health-care quality challenges and opportunities. Organized by the WHO Athens Office, this second edition builds on the success of the first Meeting of the Minds, which was held in 2021. This year’s event will focus on exploring transformative solutions that promote resilient, equitable and patient-centred health systems.

Key themes include: 

• redesigning health systems for resilience and patient-centred care
• addressing noncommunicable diseases and ageing through innovative policies and models
• leveraging artificial intelligence and health technologies to enhance quality and efficiency
• enhancing patient safety and integrating patient experiences into improvement efforts.

During the event, the Athens Office will also present its new groundbreaking “Report on quality of care and patient safety in the WHO European Region”. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the findings of the report, explore their implications for health-care systems, and engage in productive dialogue on future improvements.

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive workshops, participants will engage in knowledge exchange and collaborative planning to advance sustainable and high-quality health systems across the Region.

2nd Meeting of the WHO European Quality of Care and Patient Safety Focal Points Network 

The meeting will bring together national focal points from across the Region to discuss and collaborate on advancing quality of care and patient safety initiatives. Building on the success of the first meeting in 2023, this year’s event will focus on strengthening regional cooperation and refining strategies to tackle key challenges in quality of care. 

The meeting objectives are to:

• discuss countries’ experiences and national strategies on quality of care and patient safety;
  
• share results from the “Report on quality of care and patient safety in the WHO European Region” and the WHO Global Patient Safety Survey.
  
• present and co-create the Health System Assessment Tool for Quality Improvement.