March 9th – 15th, 2025, is Patient Safety Awareness Week!
Patient Safety Awareness Week is not just a local event, but a global campaign sponsored by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), highlighting the importance of reducing medical harm and improving patient safety. This year’s theme is Moving The Needle, which emphasizes the constant progress that healthcare professionals must make to ensure patient safety.
Every healthcare worker, from phlebotomists to nurses to doctors, can benefit from Patient Safety Awareness Week. In this blog, Boardman Training Center (BTC) dives into the rich history of Patient Safety Awareness Week and explains how BTC is helping to move the needle toward safer and more effective patient care.
History of Patient Safety Awareness Week
Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) was established by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in 2002 to shed light on preventable medical errors. Since its establishment, the movement has spread worldwide as a call to action for medical professionals of every capacity to prioritize patient safety and improve patient outcomes.
The phrase “moving the needle” signifies the progress toward improving patient safety. It encompasses continued learning, developing new strategies, and solidifying safety within the culture of a medical facility.
According to IHI, the power of the “three A’s” can improve patient safety: Awareness, Assessment, and Action. They suggest healthcare professionals gain awareness of their practices and the practices of their facility, assess strengths and opportunities for improvement, and create a plan of action to improve patient safety.
Boardman Training Center’s Approach
BTC offers a unique hands-on approach to healthcare training that puts the patient experience at the forefront. Our students benefit from hands-on training, smaller class sizes, and certification* preparation that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and experience to prioritize patient safety. Keep reading to learn more about each element of the Boardman Training Center experience that combines to foster a meaningful learning environment.
Hands-On Training
The curriculum of BTC’s healthcare training programs emphasizes the importance of skill-based learning. Along with classroom instruction, students will experience hands-on lab scenarios led by experienced instructors. This allows students to gain confidence in performing essential procedures related to their field of study, as well as giving them the opportunity to ask questions and learn in a safe environment.
Industry Certification* Preparation
Another way Boardman Training Center prioritizes patient safety is by preparing each student to sit for industry-specific National Healthcareer Association certification* exams. The NHA is a third-party certifying body that sets national standards for competency and skill, meaning that students who sit for and pass their certification exams meet or exceed nationally recognized standards.
Smaller Class Sizes
Finally, BTC students can expect to complete their education in smaller class sizes than in a larger school, allowing them to receive one-on-one instruction from their teachers. Not only does this learning environment provide a more balanced student-instructor ratio, but it also ensures that no student slips through the cracks. Additionally, BTC offers further tutoring and personalized support to students who may need extra help throughout their healthcare education.
Boardman Training Center Prioritizes Safety!
Do you aim to become a healthcare professional, helping improve patient outcomes and providing excellent care? If so, look no further than Boardman Training Center for the healthcare training you need.
BTC’s Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Medical Assisting Specialist, Phlebotomy, and EKG programs are moving the needle toward improved patient safety by providing quality education and hands-on training. Get started on your journey to a healthcare career by requesting information today!
*The National Healthcareer Association is an independent certifying entity. It is not connected to or affiliated with Boardman Training Center in any manner.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry-specific certification exam.