Viewpoint: HHS’ $840 Million Gamble
Against the backdrop of increasing rates of physician burnout, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a major project in October 2014 to recruit 140,000 clinicians or healthcare providers for a “transformative” initiative to enhance the quality of care and reduce its costs.
The Danger to Patients When Health Information Privacy Isn’t Protected
Fifty-seven percent of consumers claiming experience with hospital, physician, or ancillary provider technology in 2016 reported being skeptical of the overall benefits of health information technologies such as patient portals, mobile apps, and EHRs, mainly because of recently reported data hacking and a perceived lack of privacy protections.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Patient Safety Technology
Although some emerging technology promises a patient safety cure-all, hospitals need to evaluate clinician workflow before implementing new gadgets. In the 21st century, technology offers a solution to just about any everyday problem. Don’t know that actor that just came onto your screen? Log onto the IMDB app. Need directions? Just type the address into … Continued
Q & A: What Makes A Quality EHR?
A 2016 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that for every hour physicians spend with patients, they spend two hours interfacing with their electronic health records (EHR). A different study found that 14% of physicians have experienced a potential medication error due to their EHR in the past month, and another 14% of physicians said that excessive EHR alerts have caused them to overlook something important.
Former FDA Chief Cites 5 Things To Watch On Drug Approvals and Keeping Drugs Safe
The just-departed commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration has concerns about plans to speed up drug approvals and dramatically reduce regulations at the agency, as advocated recently by President Donald Trump.
Nurses Once Again Named Most Trusted Profession
For the 15th year in a row, the Gallup’s annual honesty and ethical standards poll has named nurses as the most trustworthy profession.
Joint Commission Clarifies Stance on Texting Patient Orders
In early January, The Joint Commission further clarified its position on the texting of patient orders between healthcare staff and rescinded approval to transmit patient orders through text messaging.
Plan Staff Activities for National Patient Safety Awareness Week
March 12–18 marks the start of the 2017 National Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW). The week is organized by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) to increase awareness on patient safety issues.
Share Your Patient Safety Story
In anticipation of Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 12–18, 2017), PSQH would like to invite you to share your patient safety story.
Achieving Real-Time Respiratory Depression Surveillance of Post-Surgical Patients
More hospitals and health systems are waking up to the risks of under-monitoring patients at risk for respiratory depression.