World Patients Alliance – Doctor Safety Children Books
Patient safety is one of the top global concerns in public health. Each year, 134 million adverse events occur annually in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to at least 3 million deaths due to unsafe care (World Health Organization, 2023). Unsafe care is one of the 10 leading causes of death and disability across the world (World Health Organization, 2019). These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for improved patient safety measures. By educating children about these crucial concepts early on, we aim to build a foundation for a future where safer care is the norm rather than the exception.
The World Patients Alliance (WPA), Elsevier and the Elsevier Foundation are collaborating on an inspiring initiative to raise awareness about patient safety through a series of children’s books. This innovative project aims to instill fundamental patient safety principles in children aged six to twelve, fostering a culture of safer care for the future.
What we do
The Elsevier Foundation supports the creation of a five-book educational series that introduces children to key patient safety principles.
Through engaging stories and relatable characters, the books explore topics such as hand hygiene, medication safety, and navigating visits to healthcare professionals. By presenting these ideas in child-friendly ways, the initiative helps build early awareness of safe healthcare practices.
How we deliver
The books are produced in multiple formats—including print, audiobooks, and video books—to increase accessibility for children and educators worldwide.
The series has been introduced at international patient safety events and shared with partners working in education and healthcare. Through translations and collaborations with community organizations, the initiative continues to expand its reach and encourage conversations about patient safety among children, families, and educators globally.
