Design Principles for Manual Safety Systems
Human Factors
Design Principles for Manual Safety Systems
Safety systems can be added to a wide variety of medical devices ranging from relatively simple sharps protection for scalpels and syringes to the most complex systems, such as multi-parameter monitors and ventilators. In general, added safety takes one of two forms. The first is when the technology is made inherently safer as a result of eliminating or mitigating hazards at the most fundamental level. The second is when technological safety elements are added to the design in order to prevent a variety of use errors.
Medical Simulation: A Holistic Approach to Highly Reliable Healthcare
Medical Simulation:
A Holistic Approach to Highly Reliable Healthcare
In the next three decades, significant demands will be placed on healthcare systems worldwide. Economic progress in rapidly developing countries and federal mandates closer to home will envelope greater numbers of patients in the healthcare net. In addition, in most parts of the western world, an aging population and rising levels of obesity will further challenge the status quo.
Intravenous Infusion Medication Safety: The Vision Becomes Reality
Intravenous Infusion Medication Safety:
The Vision Becomes Reality
In 2000 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published To Err Is Human, the first in its groundbreaking series of reports that brought the issue of medication safety to national awareness. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) February 2002 Medication Safety Alert! suggested that “with computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE), barcode medication administration (BCMA), and now smart infusion pumps, we may finally have a solid defense against the most serious medication errors” (ISMP, 2002). While these three technologies have played a major role in improving medication safety, there are still opportunities for errors.
Patients and Families: Key Partners in Improving Patient Experience
Patients and Families:
Key Partners in Improving Patient Experience
Perhaps it is time for those of us in healthcare to realize that patients and families are no longer simply “receivers” of care offered by “providers.” In fact, the trend of engaged patients has taken on increasing significance in the larger healthcare dialogue.