Imagine this scenario: The Joint Commission surveyor arrives in the surgical services suite and asks about the use of flash sterilization. He or she is escorted to the location of one of the flash sterilizers just as the tray of items is being removed by a staff person. The staff member uses a...
One of the most vital parts of providing adequate healthcare is the exchange of information between patient and caregiver. Without clear communication, it can be difficult, and even dangerous, to treat a patient. For patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP), as well as providers, the...
Since 2002, the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) has sponsored Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) as a means of making caregivers, other types of hospital staff, and community members more aware of patient safety issues. This year, the event is being observed from March 7 to March 13...
As we move further into 2010, I’m excited about the opportunities for growth and improvement we have in store for our patient safety programs. The projects, improvement initiatives, and measures of success are neatly described on paper and await skillful execution. However, the sense of...
Briefings on Accreditation & Quality - Volume 21, Issue 3
In 2007, The Joint Commission made an addition to Goal #8 regarding medication reconciliation: Along with compiling a list of medications upon admission, each patient must receive a list of his or her medications upon discharge. (This National Patient Safety Goal is set to be revamped this year...
Our latest contest entry comes from Linda M. Glaeser, RN, MS, manager of healthcare accreditation and regulatory affairs at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
True or false: Informed consent includes information on the risks and hazards of a particular treatment, the alternatives or options available to the patient, the risks and hazards of the alternatives/options, and any other information that will help the patient make a well-informed decision.
The Quality Department of Regional Medical Center of San Jose in San Jose, CA, sent in the following sample documents as their entry into our AHAP registration giveaway.
