Rights and Restraints: The Need For Good Restraint and Seclusion Policies
The misuse of restraints has led to death by asphyxiation, as well as complications such as nerve injuries, incontinence, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers. But despite the dangers, CMS says it’s documented over 1,400 related deficiencies between 2011 and 2015.
The Tale of The Flying Gurney, and Other Events That Should Never Happen, But Still Do
While hospitals do their best to limit the number of so-called “never events” that happen to their patients, recent events show that there is still work to be done.
In patient safety circles, “never events” are mistakes that should simply never happen—seemingly commonsense mistakes such as a surgeon accidentally leaving a scalpel inside a patient, a newborn infant given to the wrong parents, or any death of a patient due to the gross negligence of a caregiver.
Reduce Nurse Stress and Reduce Medical Errors
Stress manifests among nurses in various forms and can affect patient outcomes. Fortunately, leaders can implement solutions to help reduce this pervasive problem.
How Hospitals Are Failing Black Mothers
Researchers have found that women who deliver at these so-called “black-serving” hospitals are more likely to have serious complications — from infections to birth-related embolisms to emergency hysterectomies — than mothers who deliver at institutions that serve fewer black women.
Doing More Harm Than Good? Epidemic of Screening Burdens Nation’s Older Patients
“In patients well into their 80s, with other chronic conditions, it’s highly unlikely that they will receive any benefit from screening,” says Dr. Cary Gross.
In Era of Increased Competition, Hospitals Fret Over Ratings
Hospitals take their ratings seriously, despite hospital industry experts’ skepticism about their scientific methodology and studies showing that scores may not have a huge influence on patient behavior.
A System-Based Approach to Managing Patient Safety in Ambulatory Care (and Beyond)
For years, providers of all backgrounds have recognized the need for a systematic approach to supporting safe and effective care for patients in the home and community.
Don’t Downplay Physician Burnout
Burnout has the potential to threaten patient safety, lower quality of care, and ultimately increase healthcare costs.
CDC Launches Campaign To Catch Sepsis Early
A study released by the CDC found that seven in 10 patients with sepsis had recently used healthcare services or had a chronic disease requiring frequent medical care, indicating that there are opportunities to detect the infection before it’s too late.
Two Hospitals Share Their Sepsis Reduction Programs
Combination of protocols and ongoing education prove critical for early sepsis identification