Hospitals Collaborate to Prevent Wrong-Site Surgery

By Kathryn M. Pelczarski, BS; Pamela A. Braun, RN, MSN; Eileen Young, MSN, RN

The wrong-site surgery prevention program is one of numerous patient safety initiatives undertaken collaboratively by hospitals in the Greater Philadelphia region since 2006 under the direction of the Partnership for Patient Care (PPC).

Raising SBAR to a Higher Level
P.U.R.E. Conversations in Obstetrics

By Larry Veltman, MD, FACOG; Kristine Larison, RNC, BSN, MBA

Despite a widespread effort to improve patient safety in obstetrics, injuries still occur. These injuries can be devastating both to families who sustain them and to the caregivers involved in the actual event.

Prospective Risk Management
Analysis, Evaluation, and Control

The philosophy and requirements of ISO 14971 can be applied more broadly within the healthcare setting.

By Begoña Narvaez and William A. Hyman, ScD, PE

In medical device design and regulation, risk management has been embodied in the ISO 14971 standard: Medical Devices—Application of risk management to medical devices.

Automated Informed Consent
Patients and Institutions Benefit Alike

By Kimberly McKenzie, RN, MSN, CNA, CPHQ, and Pat Karnstedt, RN, MSN, OCN

The process of obtaining informed consent from patients prior to providing certain medical services has evolved gradually over the years.

Inside the AHA’s Product Endorsement Process

By Anthony J. Burke

Without a doubt, 2010 has proven to be one of the most dynamic years that the healthcare field has seen to date—and more changes are just around the corner. Healthcare reform is shaking up the field, impacting everyone from doctors and patients to hospitals, healthcare facilities, and medical technology vendors.

Using Telehealth to Improve Continuity of Care

By Julie Cheitlin Cherry, RN, MSN, PHN

As our global population grows older with a higher incidence of chronic conditions, we have an imperative to truly improve quality of care both within and beyond the walls of the hospital while reducing costs.