AANA Joins Patient Safety Movement Foundation in Celebrating World Patient Safety Day Sept. 17

PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are on the front lines of patient care, safely administering more than 49 million anesthetics each year in the United States. This World Patient Safety Day, Sept. 17, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) joins the Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) in celebrating healthcare safety and raising global awareness.  
 
“As CRNAs, patient safety is at the forefront of our work, from the preoperative interview, through surgery and until the patient is discharged from post-anesthesia care,” said Joseph Pellegrini, DNP, PhD, MS, BSNA, CRNA, the chair of AANA’s Practice Committee. “The cornerstone of CRNA anesthesia delivery is hands-on, high-quality, patient-centered, evidence-based care.” 

The AANA is an official supporter of PSMF’s “Unite for Safe Care” virtual event, which will be held the evening of Sept. 17. Speakers include the World Health Organization’s Director Dr. Tedros, clinicians, administrators, patient advocates, politicians, entertainers, and more. Speakers will address topics such as medical errors, culture of safety, patient safety legislation, and mental health and burnout. Registration is free, and the event will be livestreamed on YouTube. 
 
Additionally, the AANA’s social media on Sept. 17 will be dedicated to the topic of patient safety. Keep an eye on AANA’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages as we “Orange Out” to #uniteforsafecare and share AANA resources on patient safety, along with information on how CRNAs are leading the way in keeping our patients safe. 

“The AANA motto states that we provide safe and effective anesthesia care for every patient — something that’s never been more crucial as CRNAs step forward to be critical care leaders in the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pellegrini said.