Unraveling Diagnostic Error: Delving Deeply to Identify Hidden Human Factors

The challenges we face in improving patient safety and decreasing healthcare-related harm and death remain urgent, compelling, and undeniable. Despite our considerable efforts over the past 15 years, and some very notable advances, mostly resulting from increased standardization of processes and the use of checklists, the overall magnitude of the problem remains enormous.

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CRICO Celebrates 40 Years in Patient Safety

By Susan Carr CRICO, the medical professional liability (MPL) insurance company for the Harvard medical institutions and affiliates, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. In addition to providing members with liability coverage and claims management, CRICO has made reducing the risk of harm and improving patient safety a priority for the benefit of patients … Continued

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5 Types of PPE and How Your Staff is Misusing Them

By John Palmer Train your workers how to use the tools that protect them. One of the first things that a student learns in medical school, one of the first thing a worker learned on the job, and perhaps the most important thing you, as a safety professional can be a pest about with your … Continued

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Understanding of Human Over-Reliance on Technology

The implementation of information technology in medication-use systems is widely accepted as a way to reduce adverse drug events by decreasing human error (Mahoney, Berrard-Collins, Coleman, Amaral, & Cotter, 2007). Technology examples include computerized order entry systems, clinical decision support systems, robotic dispensing, profiled automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs), smart infusion pumps, and barcode scanning of medications during compounding, dispensing, ADC restocking, and administration.

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Nine Ways to Prevent Physician Burnout

The high rate of burnout and unengaged physicians and nurses is an increasing concern for the healthcare industry. Burnout is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness. It’s also a proven influence on care quality, patient safety, physician turnover, and patient satisfaction.

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