Published Review of Independent Double Checks Shouldn’t Dissuade Providers From Using Them Judiciously
ISMP respectfully concludes that little evidence was provided that should cause healthcare providers to abandon the use of judicious and well-placed independent double checks for selected high-alert medications. Instead, ISMP continues to believe that the selective and proper use of manual independent double checks plays an important role in medication safety.
Industry Focus: Evaluating Sources of Patient Experience Data
In addition to comments, there is plenty of quantitative data related to the patient experience. Most organizations, regardless of sector (long-term care, home health, emergency department, ambulatory surgery centers, clinics, hospitals) have some kind of survey related to their patients’ experiences.
Educating Consumers About Genetic Testing
A 2018 study published in Genetics in Medicine by clinical testing lab Ambry Genetics found these DTC genetic tests had a 40% false positive rate. In addition, 17% of variants in raw data from DTC tests were misinterpreted as high risk.
Using Digital Dashboards to Reduce Wait Times
Known in the industry as e-consultations, the telemedicine platforms help connect PCPs with specialists to help improve care management and care coordination for patients. The services are being touted as a cost-effective way to expand access to care and improve outcomes, as well.
It’s Time for Healthcare Organizations to Take Ownership of Burnout
A June survey from the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists found 74% of U.S. adults are concerned about burnout among healthcare professionals, including nearly one in four (23%) who are very concerned. Eighty percent of Americans reported that when their doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other healthcare professional is feeling burned out, the quality of their care decreases.
Creating a Culture That Puts an End to Sexual Harassment in Healthcare
The behavior is widespread. When Medscape surveyed 6,200 physicians and clinicians in 2018 about sexual harassment incidents over the prior three years, it found 7% of physicians and 11% of nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants had experienced sexual harassment.
Predicting Flu Season Remains Difficult, but Get Ready for a Doozy
CDC statistics show that the 2018–2019 season broke records, logging in at 21 weeks long, from October 1, 2018 to May 4, 2019. Up to 42 million cases of the flu were reported, resulting in 20 million medical visits, 647,000 hospitalizations, and about 61,000 deaths.
Machine Learning and NLP Improve Medication Reconciliation, Patient Safety
In late 2018, KDMC sought to improve patient safety and streamline the medication reconciliation process by automating EHR transcription of critical medication data. The solution KDMC came up with has contributed to increased patient safety and better health outcomes, as well as higher nurse productivity.
Use Data Transparency With IC Outcomes to Engage Staff
A non-intensive care nurse takes care of five or six patients at a time. Add a few discharges and admissions, and that nurse will touch more than 20 patients in a workweek. Infection prevention and quality department surveillance and data abstractions are usually deferred by some weeks.
The High Cost of Overlooking Workplace Safety
Although implementing workplace violence prevention programs can be expensive, recognizing that these changes can be profitable—and maybe even less costly—can help overcome existing mindsets to find a plan that works.