Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare - News and analysis dedicated to healthcare improvement

Improving Antibiotic Stewardship at Urgent Care Centers

As care continues its move deeper into communities and away from traditional medical campuses, urgent care centers are exploding in growth. In 2018, there were 8,100 urgent care centers, up nearly 27% from 2014, according to Consumer Reports. Those centers see an estimated 160 million patient visits each year, according to the Urgent Care Association.

A Prescription for Social Determinants of Health

A September 2019 study published in JAMA found that only 24% of hospitals and 16% of physician practices reported screening for five key social factors that affect health outcomes. Those factors, as defined by CMS’ Accountable Health Communities model, are food insecurity, housing instability, utility needs, transportation needs, and interpersonal violence.

When in Crisis Mode, Let Everyone Follow the Data

During normal times, managers often make decisions based on their knowledge and experience; analysis of data to varying degrees informs that decision-making process. Circumstances change at an easily manageable pace, errors in judgment can be corrected, and the impact of those poor choices is often insignificant.

Healthcare Extends Into the Online Community

As consumers take more control over where they seek healthcare, they’re using their social networks to spread the news about their preferred choices. The result is that physicians are now being tasked with protecting their reputations in the digital world.

Rapidly Accelerating Use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Demands Ethical Analysis

The proliferation of AI and robotics use is inescapable, so how can the associated ethical challenges be identified and addressed? It was only last year that the FDA released model 1.0 of its software precertification to provide an initial tool to test AI and machine learning technology.

Over-the-Top Risky: Overuse of ADC Overrides, Removal of Drugs Without an Order, and Use of Non-Profiled Cabinets

Whether used as a full decentralized drug distribution model or for limited distribution of controlled substances, PRN (as needed) medications, and first doses only, ADCs today are often interfaced with electronic health record systems in both large and small healthcare settings.

Study: Using Bed Barriers Cuts Down on C. diff

The study, conducted by researchers at Xavier University in Cincinnati and Bon Secours Mercy Health Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Kentucky, achieved an almost 60% decrease in infections, which is double the nationwide reduction goal established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How Data Analytics Will Improve Patient Care

Big data analytics strategies are maturing quickly in healthcare, outpacing numerous other industries. The reasons for this are the numerous visible and immediate benefits these technologies bring about, measurable benefits that can appear within weeks of adoption.

Contact-Free Continuous Monitoring How Arnot Ogden Medical Center Protects Patients From Clinical Deterioration

At Arnot Ogden Medical Center, a not-for-profit, 256-bed tertiary medical facility in Elmira, New York, we’ve long used traditional telemetry devices and methods in our four cardiology units to monitor patients’ vital signs. But we also wanted to give this added layer of protection to other hospital patients without incurring the costs of installing telemetry systems.

News

PSQH: The Podcast Episode 3 – Arizona Surge Line
by PSQH, May 22, 2020

On episode 3 of PSQH: The Podcast, host Jay Kumar talks to Charles Larsen, RN Senior Director at Banner Health in Phoenix, and Angie Franks, president and CEO of Central Logic, about a new first-in-the-nation service designed to ensure that COVID-19 patients in Arizona receive access to the care they need.
AOs Ramping Up for Return to Accreditation Surveys
by Accreditation Insider, May 21, 2020

All four hospital accrediting organizations (AOs) followed CMS in March in announcing a suspension of regular survey activity as the coronavirus pandemic swept the nation. Complaint surveys have continued as needed. And at the urging of CMS, were to continue to conduct initial accreditation surveys for new healthcare facilities as a way to increase patient capacity during the COVID-19 national emergency.
Study Shows COVID-19 Body Count 20 Times Higher Than Seasonal Flu Deaths
by HealthLeaders Media, May 21, 2020

Between 2013 and 2019, the yearly seasonal influenza deaths ranged from 23,000 to 61,000. However, the actual number of counted influenza deaths over that timespan ranged between 3,448 and 15,620 deaths each year. On average, the researchers said, CDC influenza death estimates are about six times greater than the number of counted deaths.
How to Create an N95 Mask Disinfection Facility for Less Than $15,000
by HealthLeaders Media, May 20, 2020

The process is based on a concept from the University of Nebraska and adheres to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. It involves a commonly used UV-C light robot that VCU already had on hand to decontaminate hospital rooms, and employs materials which the VCU team sourced from The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and a tractor supply store.
How to Use Telehealth in Cancer Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond
by HealthLeaders Media, May 19, 2020

Telemedicine provides physician practices with a safe method to interact with patients remotely during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Telemedicine also enables physician practices to expand services for patient care such as virtual patient check-in capabilities and remote patient monitoring that collects biometric data.