In recognition of 2025 World Patient Safety Day today (Sept. 17), the theme of which is “safe care for every newborn and every child” in recognition of the vulnerability of this age group to risks and harm caused by unsafe care, the EHR Association’s Patient Safety Workgroup shares the following statements:

“During the important conversations taking place on World Patient Safety Day, it’s important to remember that patient safety is a shared responsibility between the providers using health IT and EHR companies, which play a vital role in that mission. By enabling real-time access to accurate information, supporting clinical decision-making, and identifying potential risks to those using the systems, EHRs play a critical role in ensuring that every patient—including the youngest and most vulnerable—receives the safest care possible. Safety is too important not to address it from the start.”

—Michael Blackman, MD, MBA (Greenway Health),
 Chair, EHRA Patient Safety Workgroup

“Trust in healthcare delivery begins with transparency. The 2025 World Patient Safety Day focus on newborns and children reminds us of the critical importance of accurate, accessible, and comprehensive patient information from the very start. Patient portal activation during the newborn period establishes a foundation for patient engagement, eases parental or guardian access to health data, and supports effective communication about the patient from day one, all of which contribute to the safest possible patient interactions. It’s associated with improved adherence to follow-up visits and helps ensure parental and caregiver engagement regarding medication, diagnostics, and immunization, promoting ‘patient safety from the start’.”

—Marijo Carnino (MEDITECH), Vice Chair, EHRA Patient Safety Workgroup