A workshop was organised by the Department of Health Systems Management and Leadership led by Prof. Paolo Sousa and coordinated by Prof. Sandra C. Buttigieg who also assisted in the facilitation of the workgroups’ interactive participation.
This workshop explored the pivotal role of strategic planning in advancing patient safety and quality improvement within healthcare systems. Grounded in the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030, the session emphasised how structured planning and targeted improvement projects can drive sustainable change and resilience in healthcare delivery.
The session combined theoretical insights with practical applications, fostering dynamic discussion and active participation. Attendees shared experiences and engaged in collaborative dialogue around the seven strategic objectives of the WHO Action Plan, highlighting the need for system-wide approaches to safety, leadership engagement, and continuous quality enhancement.
By integrating international frameworks with local contexts, the workshop served as a platform to inspire actionable strategies aimed at building safer, more effective, and patient-centered healthcare systems.
Prof. Paulo Sousa is an Associate Professor and Director of the Department of Health Strategies at the National School of Public Health - NOVA University Lisbon (NSPH-NOVA). With expertise in Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, Health Policies and Global Health, Paulo has coordinated national projects in Portugal and collaborated on international projects. Since 2020, Paulo has been the Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Education, Research, and Evaluation of Safety and Quality in Healthcare - NOVA.
