“The scientific society of anesthesia and resuscitation, intensive care and pain is available to technically discuss what for us is the heart of the scientific society – guidelines, good clinical practices, for the public sector, for the national health system – in “increase the quality” of care ”and guarantee safety for citizens, for patients, but also for operators”. These are the words of Elena Bignami, president-designate 2025-2027 of Siaarti, the Italian society of anaesthesia, analgesia, resuscitation and intensive care, in her speech today in the Chamber at the conference ‘The social value of public employment in the NHS’, organized by Aaroi-Emac, the union of anesthetists, resuscitators and emergency doctors.
“Scientific societies can also have a role against violence towards healthcare workers - underlines Bignami – The first step in general also against violence is to be able to talk about it, therefore finding a place, a safe house where we can share these negative experiences and find a common strategy that cannot be a single revenge or a single initiative. We must present a common front on this too.”
Interview with Elena Bignami, President-Designate of SIAARTI: Enhancing Care Quality and Addressing Healthcare Worker Safety
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Bignami. Can you start by telling us about the key focus of SIAARTI as you step into your role as president-designate for 2025-2027?
A: Thank you for having me. At SIAARTI, our primary mission is to enhance the quality of care within the public sector of the national health system. Our focus is on developing guidelines and establishing good clinical practices that ensure not only the safety of citizens and patients but also the well-being of healthcare operators. We aim to elevate the standards of anesthesia, analgesia, resuscitation, and intensive care.
Q: In your recent speech at the conference on the social value of public employment in the NHS, you mentioned the need for a strategy to address violence against healthcare workers. Can you elaborate on that?
A: Absolutely. Violence against healthcare workers is a pressing issue in our field. We need to create a safe environment for professionals to discuss their experiences. Establishing a “safe house,” where healthcare workers can share their negative experiences and collaborate on strategies, is crucial. It’s not enough to take individual actions; we must present a united front to effectively tackle this challenge.
Q: What implications do these safety concerns have for healthcare quality and patient care?
A: When healthcare workers face violence or feel unsafe in their environments, it directly impacts their ability to provide high-quality care. Stress and anxiety can lead to burnout, reducing the effectiveness and efficiency of medical care delivered to patients. By addressing these safety issues, we not only protect our workers but also enhance patient outcomes, improving the overall function of the national health system.
Q: What practical advice can you provide to other healthcare organizations looking to implement similar initiatives?
A: I would advise organizations to foster an open dialogue about the challenges healthcare workers face. Create platforms for workers to safely report incidents without fear of retribution. Additionally, training programs that focus on conflict resolution and communication strategies can empower workers, equipping them with the tools to handle difficult situations. Collaboration among professionals will help in creating comprehensive safety protocols that benefit everyone in the healthcare system.
Q: From your perspective, how vital is the role of scientific societies like SIAARTI in shaping public health policy?
A: Scientific societies are instrumental in shaping public health policy. We provide valuable expertise and evidence-based recommendations that guide the development of health policies, ensuring they align with the best practices in care. Our involvement helps prioritize issues based on current research and the needs of both patients and healthcare workers, ultimately driving improvements in the national health system.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of healthcare in Italy?
A: My hope is for a healthcare system that not only provides exceptional care for patients but also creates a supportive and safe working environment for healthcare professionals. Enhancing the quality of care and addressing the concerns of healthcare workers will lead to a more resilient healthcare system that can better serve the population and adapt to future challenges.
Q: Thank you, Dr. Bignami, for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing the positive changes that SIAARTI will bring in the coming years.
A: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these vital issues. Together, we can make significant strides in enhancing healthcare quality and safety for everyone involved.