Analyzing and Improving Outpatient Patient Safety Protocols at King Saud Medical City

Abstract

Patient safety in outpatient care is a growing concern in healthcare systems worldwide, yet it remains less studied compared to inpatient safety. This research investigates patient safety issues in the outpatient departments of King Saud Medical City (KSMC), one of the largest tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from reported safety incidents and qualitative insights from interviews with healthcare providers and patients. The findings reveal that the most common safety risks in KSMC’s outpatient settings include diagnostic errors (15%), medication errors (25%), communication failures (20%), and inadequate follow-up procedures (18%). Systemic challenges such as high patient volumes, limited resources, and inefficient workflows further contribute to safety risks. The study concludes that improving outpatient safety at KSMC requires implementing advanced diagnostic support tools, standardizing medication management systems, enhancing communication through electronic health records, and establishing robust follow-up protocols. Addressing these challenges will strengthen patient safety culture, improve the quality of outpatient care, and support Saudi Arabia’s broader healthcare quality initiatives.