NQF Endorses All-Cause Unplanned Readmissions Measures

The National Quality Forum (NQF) Board of Directors has endorsed two measures that address all-cause unplanned readmissions in hospitals – an area of healthcare targeted for improvement given national imperatives to make healthcare safer, more affordable, and keep people healthy.

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Joslin Diabetes Center Partners with Phytel on CME Research Project

Phytel, the leader in physician-led population health improvement, and the Joslin Diabetes Center, a Harvard Medical School affiliate in the forefront of the fight against diabetes, recently announced their collaboration on a landmark research initiative to compare the accuracy and predictive value of current assessment methodologies for continuing medical education (CME) programs. The results will be used to inform ongoing efforts to improve diabetes care.

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The Joint Commission Enterprise Launches HAI Portal

On April 2, The Joint Commission enterprise launched a health care-associated infections (HAI) electronic portal that provides a wealth of HAI resources. The “HAI Portal” is a joint effort of The Joint Commission enterprise, which includes the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare, Joint Commission Resources, and Joint Commission International.

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The Joint Commission Awards First Advanced Certifications for Palliative Care

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois—Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.; Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y.; Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York; City; St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Pontiac, Mich.; and The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. in Branford, Conn. have become the first hospitals across the country to receive Advanced Certification for Palliative Care from The Joint Commission.

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Joint Commission Issues Alert on Healthcare Worker Fatigue

The Joint Commission (TJC) has released Sentinel Event Alert 48, “Health Care Worker Fatigue and Patient Safety.” Acknowledging that “many factors contribute to fatigue, including but not limited to insufficient staffing and excessive workloads,” TJC states that “the purpose of this Sentinel Event Alert is to address the effects and risks of an extended work day and of cumulative days of extended work hours.”

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CDC Launches Effort to Protect Cancer Patients from Infections

Oct. 25, 2011—CDC’s Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients program is a comprehensive initiative focusing on providing information, action steps, and tools for patients, their families, and their health care providers to reduce the risk of life-threatening infections during chemotherapy treatment in outpatient oncology settings.

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