Effects of patient safety and ergonomics in promoting health at elderly care institutions

Abstract Patient safety has received much recognition after the Institute of Medicine’s publication of “To err is to human: building a safer health system”, To summarize the existing evidence and examine the extent at which patient safety and ergonomics influence health promotion in elderly care, this study employed a literature review to search literature and inductive content analysis to analyze the findings. The results suggest supports the hypothesis that health could be promoted in caring for the elderly by implementing patient safety interventions and considering ergonomics at stages of care delivery. Some of the categories identified include technology and building design, medication safety and health information technology, patient safety, patient outcomes and health care quality. Patient safety and ergonomics are vital elements which require unique attention in order to improve and achieve the work, purpose and vision involved in health promotion with the best possible safety culture, safety climate, work environment, organization and leadership styles, technology and excellent communication which promote optimum patient satisfaction and outcome, nursing staff job satisfaction and motivation as well as enhancing the productivity and effectiveness of healthcare organizations in the care of the elderly