The theme of World Patient Safety Day 2026 (Sept. 17) is “Safe care for life!” It focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases (NDCs) and calls for multisectoral and multi-stakeholder action to ensure that no one is harmed while receiving care for NCDs.

In recognition of the day, the EHR Association’s Patient Safety Workgroup shares the following statements.

Safe, optimal care for people living with noncommunicable diseases is heavily reliant on having the right information available throughout their lifelong care journey. The 2026 World Patient Safety Day theme, ‘Safe care for life!’ reminds us that patients managing long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease, often interact with the health care system repeatedly and across multiple settings, with the EHR and interoperability software serving as a critical source of accurate information throughout that journey. Making comprehensive, patient-specific health information accessible to a patient’s care team is essential to supporting informed clinical decisions, which  can help reduce preventable harm by supporting safer care at every stage of a patient’s life.”

Nichole Sikora (MEDITECH), Chair
EHR Association Patient Safety Workgroup

As we recognize World Patient Safety Day, we have an opportunity to look at patient safety through a broader lens. It’s important to recognize that patient safety and health equity are deeply connected. Creating safer healthcare systems requires identifying and addressing the social determinative barriers a patient might be experiencing and designing care that meets people where they are. By addressing the social and systemic factors that influence health, we can reduce preventable harm, improve outcomes, and create a safer, more accessible healthcare experience for every patient.

“On World Patient Safety Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to not only treating chronic illness, but also understanding the circumstances that influence a patient’s ability to be healthy—and making safety and equity part of every aspect of care.”

Mital Mehta (ModMed), Vice Chair
EHR Association Patient Safety Workgroup