Dear HIFA colleagues,
At Central Hospital in Phnom Penh, we have been experimenting with a very simple way to improve patient safety: structured weekly checklists and departmental reports.
Over three months, this approach gave us a clear picture of recurring issues across ER/ICU, OB/GYN, OPD, and Pediatrics — things like missing SOPs, documentation gaps, and coordination problems between teams. None of this required new equipment or funding, just a way to capture and share what staff were already experiencing.
From these reports, we were able to act immediately:
Drafting SOPs for emergency and intrapartum care
Starting BLS refresher training for ER staff
Introducing interdisciplinary huddles to improve communication
Tightening ER access to reduce overcrowding
What struck me is how much could be achieved with zero budget. Staff felt more engaged, and there is a sense that reporting is no longer a formality but a driver for change.
I would be very interested to hear if others have tried similar low-cost methods for patient safety, especially in LMIC hospital settings.
Warm regards,
Dr Suren Kanayan
HIFA profile: Suren Kanayan is the Administrative Manager at Central Hospital in Cambodia. Professional interests: Maternal and Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinical Practice, Healthcare System Strengthening in LMICs, Telemedicine and Digital Health Platforms. Email: skan71 AT yahoo.com