Saudi Patient Safety Center Holds Co-Design Workshop to Engage Patients and Families in Care Planning

The Saudi Patient Safety Center (SPSC), in collaboration with the National eLearning Center (NELC), held a co-design workshop in Riyadh on September 17, 2026, titled “Co-design for Engaging Patients and Their Families in Care Planning,” as part of World Patient Safety Day 2026 activities. The event brought together healthcare practitioners, patient safety specialists, patients, and family members to strengthen communication and partnership in care planning, aligning with the global theme “Safe Care for Non-communicable Diseases.” The workshop is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance patient safety and healthcare quality under Vision 2030.

Context and Background

World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17, was established by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about patient safety and reduce harm in healthcare settings. The 2026 theme focuses on non-communicable diseases, which include cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases—major health challenges in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. The Saudi Patient Safety Center, a government entity dedicated to improving healthcare safety, regularly organizes initiatives to engage patients and families in care processes, in line with the Health Sector Transformation Program. The National eLearning Center, which hosted the workshop, is a key partner in integrating digital learning solutions into health education. This collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering multi-sectoral partnerships that drive innovation and quality in public services.

Key Details

The workshop featured three interactive stages designed to capture patient and family perspectives and translate them into actionable solutions. The first stage focused on exploring challenges and understanding the experiences and needs of patients and their families. The second stage involved co-creating solutions through group work and idea exchange, ensuring that patients and providers collaborate as equal partners. The final stage centered on experimentation, where participants developed and tested practical models for implementation in healthcare settings. Dr. Ali bin Tala’a Asery, Director General of the Saudi Patient Safety Center, emphasized that engaging patients and families is a fundamental pillar for strengthening patient safety and service quality. He noted that drawing on their experiences helps develop solutions better aligned with their needs, improves service effectiveness, and strengthens trust between beneficiaries and healthcare providers. The workshop also activated the existing partnership between the SPSC and NELC, demonstrating their integration in supporting national health initiatives.

Implications and Impact

By involving patients and families directly in care planning, the workshop promotes a patient-centered approach that can lead to more effective and responsive healthcare services. This is particularly important for managing non-communicable diseases, which require long-term care and ongoing patient engagement. The outcomes of such co-design initiatives can inform policies and practices across Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system, potentially reducing hospital admissions, improving treatment adherence, and enhancing overall health outcomes. Furthermore, the collaboration between the SPSC and NELC highlights the role of digital learning in empowering patients and providers with the knowledge and tools needed for safe care. On an international level, Saudi Arabia’s efforts contribute to global patient safety goals and showcase the Kingdom’s leadership in healthcare innovation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The workshop directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program by advancing a safer, higher-quality healthcare system that places patients at its center. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and improve public services, with healthcare as a key pillar. By fostering patient engagement and co-design, Saudi Arabia is building a more resilient and responsive health sector that meets the needs of its citizens and residents, while also contributing to the global advancement of patient safety. As the Kingdom continues to invest in healthcare modernization, initiatives like this underscore its commitment to achieving world-class standards and ensuring the well-being of all.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Saudi Patient Safety Center?

A1. The Saudi Patient Safety Center is a government entity established to improve healthcare safety and quality across the Kingdom. It develops initiatives, guidelines, and training programs to reduce medical errors and enhance patient outcomes, aligning with Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program.

Q2. What was the purpose of the co-design workshop?

A2. The workshop aimed to engage patients and their families in care planning by exploring their experiences, co-creating solutions, and testing practical models. It sought to strengthen communication and partnership between patients and healthcare providers to improve safety and service quality.

Q3. When and where did the workshop take place?

A3. The workshop was held on September 17, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the National eLearning Center. It coincided with World Patient Safety Day 2026, which is observed annually on September 17.

Q4. What is World Patient Safety Day?

A4. World Patient Safety Day is a global observance established by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about patient safety and reduce harm in healthcare. Each year, it focuses on a specific theme to mobilize action and promote best practices worldwide.

Q5. What was the theme of World Patient Safety Day 2026?

A5. The theme for 2026 was “Safe Care for Non-communicable Diseases.” This highlights the importance of safe healthcare practices for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, which require ongoing management and patient engagement.

Q6. Who participated in the workshop?

A6. Participants included healthcare practitioners, patient safety specialists, patients, and their families. This diverse group collaborated to share perspectives, identify challenges, and develop solutions that reflect the real needs of those receiving and providing care.

Q7. What were the three stages of the workshop?

A7. The workshop comprised three interactive stages: exploring challenges and understanding patient and family experiences; co-creating solutions through group work; and experimenting with and testing practical models for implementation in healthcare settings.

Q8. How does patient engagement improve healthcare safety?

A8. Engaging patients and families helps identify their specific needs and preferences, leading to more tailored and effective care. It also fosters trust, improves communication, and encourages adherence to treatment plans, ultimately reducing risks and enhancing safety.

Q9. What is the National eLearning Center?

A9. The National eLearning Center is a Saudi government entity that promotes digital learning and innovation. It hosted the workshop and partners with various sectors, including healthcare, to integrate e-learning solutions that support national development goals.

Q10. What did Dr. Ali bin Tala’a Asery say about the workshop?

A10. Dr. Asery, Director General of the Saudi Patient Safety Center, affirmed that engaging patients and families is a fundamental pillar for strengthening patient safety and service quality. He noted that their experiences help develop better-aligned solutions and build trust.

Q11. How does the workshop support Saudi Vision 2030?

A11. The workshop supports Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program by promoting a patient-centered healthcare system. It contributes to the goal of achieving a safer, higher-quality health sector that meets the needs of all citizens and residents.

Q12. What are non-communicable diseases?

A12. Non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions that are not transmitted from person to person, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. They require long-term management and are a major global health challenge.

Q13. Why is co-design important in healthcare?

A13. Co-design involves patients and providers working together to develop solutions. It ensures that services are tailored to patient needs, improves satisfaction, and leads to more effective and sustainable healthcare improvements.

Q14. What is the Health Sector Transformation Program?

A14. The Health Sector Transformation Program is a key initiative under Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to restructure the healthcare sector to improve quality, accessibility, and efficiency, with a focus on preventive care and patient-centered services.

Q15. How does the SPSC collaborate with other organizations?

A15. The SPSC partners with various government and private entities, such as the National eLearning Center, to leverage expertise and resources. These collaborations enhance the reach and impact of patient safety initiatives across the Kingdom.

Q16. What are the expected outcomes of the workshop?

A16. The workshop is expected to produce practical models for patient engagement that can be implemented in healthcare settings. These models aim to improve communication, safety, and quality of care for patients with non-communicable diseases.

Q17. How can patients get involved in future initiatives?

A17. Patients can participate through workshops, surveys, and advisory roles promoted by the SPSC and healthcare providers. Staying informed via official Saudi health channels and engaging with local health facilities are key steps.

Q18. What role does digital learning play in patient safety?

A18. Digital learning, championed by the National eLearning Center, provides accessible education and training for healthcare professionals and patients. It enhances knowledge, skills, and awareness, which are essential for maintaining high safety standards.

Q19. How does Saudi Arabia compare globally in patient safety?

A19. Saudi Arabia is a regional leader in patient safety, with the SPSC driving innovative initiatives. The Kingdom’s efforts align with global standards and contribute to international best practices, as recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization.

Q20. What is the long-term goal of such workshops?

A20. The long-term goal is to institutionalize patient and family engagement in care planning across Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system, leading to safer, higher-quality care and improved health outcomes, in line with Vision 2030.

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