Report: American Hospitals Show Improved Emergency Preparedness
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) this week released the 2018 National Health Security Preparedness Index, which found that the U.S. scored a 7.1 out of 10 for preparedness, up 3% over the last year and almost 11% since the Index was begun in 2013.
Q&A: Active Shooter Response and Prevention
This Q&A was taken from the ASHE webinar, “Active Shooter – Best Practices for the Worst Case,” with speakers Kevin M. Tuohey, executive director for research compliance at Boston University & Boston Medical Center; Constance Packard, CHPA, executive director, support services for Boston Medical Center/Boston University Medical Campus; and Thomas Smith, CHPA, CPP, owner of Healthcare Security Consultants, Inc.
Case Study: Five Steps from Sentara Health for Room Cleaning
Facilities still struggle with infection control, whether it’s hospital floors, fungi on doorknobs, or Legionella in the pipes.
Common Ways Pests Gain Access to Your Health Care Facility
Pests can run, crawl, fly and hitch-hike their way into your facility. Some paths are obvious like a door which is left open or poorly sealed, and some not so obvious. Here is a list of the ways pests can enter your facility and the methods for prevention.
Checklists and Robots Make It Easier To Clean Patient Rooms
Healthcare systems deal with the perennial problem of properly cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, both while they are occupied and upon discharge when getting ready for new occupants.
Unfortunately, it’s not a cut-and-dry process, and most hospitals don’t have a set protocol for making sure all surfaces are cleaned the same way.
Preventing Fires in the OR
An unplanned fire is the ultimate sign that things have gone sideways.
Despite being labeled a never event and countless regulations on how to prevent them, fires still break out in hospitals. Between 2012 and 2014 there were 5,700 medical facility fires reported to fire departments.
Nurse’s Stabbing Prompts ED Security Changes
Harrington’s workforce will undergo additional training in de-escalation techniques and defensive tactics, and public safety officers will be armed with batons, foam-based pepper spray, and handcuffs.
Harvey, Irma, and Maria: Questions Hospitals Need to Answer Before a Hurricane Hits
Medical facilities that sit in hurricane-prone regions know to remain prepared before, during, and after the regular storm season, which extends from June 1 to December 1. But Harvey and Irma struck with surprising speed and strength, leaving many facilities with one question: How can a hospital possibly prepare for an event of such magnitude?
Assessing Linen Safety After A Flood
As the hurricane season continues to interrupt day-to-day normalcy for millions in and around the Caribbean, healthcare organizations in the affected areas—and elsewhere—should take steps to ensure that their linens remain safe for patient use.
Study: Hospital Room Floors May Need More Attention in Infection Control
Want to improve your infection control? Consider your hospital floors.