Patient Safety Awareness Week and AAH's Online National Certifications
Patient safety is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. Every interaction between a patient and a healthcare professional carries the potential to impact outcomes, making safety a shared responsibility.
Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of patient-centered care and the continuous efforts to reduce medical errors and improve healthcare outcomes. For professionals in roles such as medical assistants, patient care technicians, and other allied health positions, achieving national certification is not just a career milestone—it directly contributes to the mission of providing safer, higher-quality care.
The Origins and Purpose of Patient Safety Awareness Week
PSAW began in 2002, spearheaded by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) to spotlight critical patient safety issues and encourage collaboration across healthcare settings. In 2017, the NPSF merged with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), which now sponsors this annual event. Each year, PSAW focuses on driving awareness, fostering learning, and promoting actionable changes to improve patient safety.
In 2025, PSAW will be observed from March 9-15, with the theme "Moving the Needle." This year’s theme emphasizes making tangible improvements that lead to safer patients and safer care. The week-long observance encourages healthcare workers, patients, and families to reflect on existing safety practices and identify ways to advance patient-centered care. Learn more about Patient Safety Awareness Week on the IHI website.
National Certification: Elevating Patient Safety Standards
National certification in healthcare careers plays a crucial role in advancing patient safety initiatives. For medical assistants, patient care technicians, and other allied health professionals, certification is more than a credential—it represents a commitment to excellence, ongoing education, and patient protection.
Here’s how national certification aligns with the goals of PSAW:
1. Commitment to Quality and Safety
National certification validates that healthcare professionals meet rigorous standards of care and are equipped with the skills needed to minimize errors and improve patient outcomes. Certified professionals demonstrate mastery in essential competencies, including:
- Accurate patient data collection
- Proper medication administration
- Infection control protocols
- Effective communication
By ensuring that healthcare workers are highly trained, certification directly supports PSAW’s mission to achieve measurable improvements and reduce preventable harm.
2. Promoting a Culture of Safety
A culture of safety depends on every team member recognizing their role in safeguarding patients. Certified professionals are better equipped to:
- Identify potential risks and report concerns promptly
- Follow evidence-based protocols to prevent harm
- Advocate for patient-centered care and ethical practices
PSAW encourages healthcare teams to “Identify what more can be done to improve patient safety,” a mindset that is embedded in the training and continuing education required for national certification.
3. Enhancing Patient and Family Engagement
Patient safety is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the clinical team. Certified professionals are trained to involve patients and their families in the care process by:
- Encouraging questions and open communication
- Explaining care plans clearly and thoroughly
- Supporting shared decision-making
PSAW emphasizes the importance of asking, “How can we work together to make my care safer?” Certified professionals play a key role in fostering these collaborative discussions and empowering patients to be active participants in their healthcare journey.
4. Ongoing Education and Professional Growth
National certification isn’t a one-time achievement—it requires ongoing education to maintain. This continuous learning aligns with PSAW’s goal to “Learn more about healthcare safety” and ensures that healthcare professionals remain current with the latest advancements in patient care.
Through recertification and continuing education, certified professionals stay informed about:
- New patient safety guidelines
- Technological advancements in healthcare
- Emerging best practices for error prevention
By staying up to date, healthcare workers not only improve their practice but also contribute to broader system-wide safety initiatives.
5. Recognizing and Celebrating Safety Initiatives
PSAW provides an opportunity to celebrate the quality and safety initiatives that healthcare organizations have implemented. National certification represents a personal and professional commitment to those initiatives. Certified professionals contribute to safer environments by:
- Participating in quality improvement projects
- Championing safety protocols
- Mentoring colleagues in patient-centered care
By recognizing the value of certification during PSAW, healthcare organizations reinforce the message that patient safety is a priority and that every team member plays a role in maintaining it.
How to Get Involved During Patient Safety Awareness Week
Whether you are a healthcare professional, patient, or family member, there are many ways to engage with PSAW and contribute to a culture of safety. Here are some ideas:
- For Healthcare Professionals: Share your commitment to patient safety by pursuing or renewing your national certification. Highlight your knowledge and dedication through social media or workplace events.
- For Patients and Families: Ask questions about your care, understand your treatment plan, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Your involvement is crucial in making care safer.
- For Organizations: Recognize certified professionals who exemplify patient safety standards and support ongoing education initiatives.
National certification is deeply intertwined with the PSAW mission of the pursuit of safer, more effective patient care. By obtaining your certification, it ensures that you are not only competent but also committed to continuous learning and improvement.
By celebrating PSAW and supporting national certification efforts, we can all play a part in “Moving the Needle” toward safer patients, safer care, and a safer future for healthcare.
You can browse AAH’s online national certification exams or register now and start preparing for your exam today!