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...
Q: How should our organization meet compliance with educating patients and their families on multidrug-¬resistant organisms (MDRO), central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), and surgical site infections (SSI)? Should we discuss these topics with all patients and...
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...
Briefings on Accreditation & Quality - Volume 21, Issue 3
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...
Briefings on Accreditation & Quality - Volume 21, Issue 3
This issue contains articles about medical interpreter certification, patient safety awareness week, the development of an electronic medication list, a column from a new member to the patient safety field, the National Quality Forum's new electronic data standards, and a Q & A about...
The National Quality Forum (NQF) released a set of 70 measures in January that guide the standardization of electronic data for quality improvement. The measures combine data from two or more electronic ¬sources, such as administrative claims or pharmacy systems.
Briefings on Accreditation & Quality - Volume 21, Issue 3
Every month, Briefings on The Joint Commission brings you the latest news in Joint Commission survey preparation, standards interpretation, and best practices, as well as CMS and other hospital accreditation-related topics. This month, we look at the latest Joint Commission news, CMS changes and...