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Հայերեն (Armenian)
YEREVAN, Armenia — Strengthening patient safety requires more than introducing new standards and tools. It requires healthcare professionals who understand how safety can be improved in everyday practice and who have the knowledge and confidence to bring these principles into their organizations.
In 2026, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (TCHS) launched a series of educational initiatives aimed at strengthening patient safety competencies among healthcare professionals in Armenia.
The initiative was led by Dr. Astghik Atanyan (MPH ’18), who was selected as one of the participants from Armenia in the Joint Commission International (JCI) Patient Safety Champions Training of Trainers Program. The six-month international program focuses on strengthening patient safety competencies, developing local patient safety projects, and building the capacity of healthcare professionals through education.
The initiative was implemented through the TCHS and the Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development, building on the College’s longstanding work in healthcare quality and professional education. It focused on embedding patient safety into existing health education while creating new opportunities for healthcare professionals to develop practical skills. As part of this effort, the patient safety component of the Entrepreneurs in Health (EIH) program’s Quality of Care curriculum was expanded through two dedicated sessions delivered in May.
Patient safety content was also expanded within the AUA Master of Public Health curriculum through a guest lecture on quality and safety, creating an opportunity to further engage future public health professionals with core patient safety concepts. It also provided dedicated learning and awareness opportunities for the broader healthcare community. A 12-hour patient safety accredited course was delivered in July for EIH beneficiaries, their employees, and TCHS researchers, while a two-hour nationwide online event on June 30 brought together 134 healthcare professionals and members of Armenia’s health community.
Both activities received highly positive evaluations, with participants emphasizing the relevance, clarity, and practical applicability of the content. The initiative will continue to expand patient safety education and capacity-building opportunities for healthcare professionals in Armenia.
The aim of EIH is to improve access to quality health services in rural communities of Armenia through the introduction of advanced technologies and innovative approaches supporting healthcare professionals to develop private health practices.
The AUA Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.
