Why So Little Coverage of Improvement?
On May 7, the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported on the effects of federal efforts to decrease the rates of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) and readmissions. These efforts, implemented through a system of Hospital Engagement Networks (HENs), have been supported with funding from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), starting with grants to the HENs in October 2011.
MEPS Real-Time Introduces Smallest RFID Smart Tag for Pharmacy Automation
MEPS Real-Time Inc., a provider of RFID solutions for pharmacy automation and inventory management, has introduced the industry’s smallest RFID smart tag that significantly improves the automated replenishment of kits, trays, and tackle boxes in the hospital pharmacy.
Truven Health Analytics Acquires Simpler Consulting
Truven Health Analytics, a provider of healthcare analytics and data solutions and services, has acquired Simpler Consulting®, the global leader in providing Lean enterprise transformation services. The strategic acquisition combines Truven’s market-leading cost and quality analytics with Simpler’s performance management consulting capabilities to deliver impactful and tangible performance improvement solutions to healthcare, government, and commercial customers.
Hospital Health System Shares Lessons Learned in its ISO Certification Journey
There is a growing trend across the U.S. for hospitals to seek ISO: 9001-2008 certification as a key component in their continuing commitment to be a highly reliable organization.
New HHS Data Show Quality Improvements
The Department of Health and Human Services announced that new preliminary data show an overall nine percent decrease in hospital acquired conditions nationally during 2011 and 2012. National reductions in adverse drug events, falls, infections, and other forms of hospital-induced harm are estimated to have prevented nearly 15,000 deaths in hospitals, avoided 560,000 patient injuries, and approximately $4 billion in health spending over the same period.
Medical Devices: Who Needs to Read Device Instructions?
Essentially all medical devices used in hospitals come with a user instruction manual, commonly called Instructions for Use (IFU) or Directions for Use. Typically an IFU includes basic operational “how to” information as well as pages of warnings, cautions, and other general or device-specific information beyond simply how to operate the device.
CPS Shows Commitment to Improving Patient Safety and Quality in Pre-Hospital Care
The Center for Patient Safety (CPS) has landed its first national contract from Air Evac Lifeteam, a subsidiary of Air Medical Group Holdings, announced Becky Miller, executive director, CPS. Air Evac Lifeteam, an air ambulance company, currently has 115 bases in 15 states. The three-year participation agreement was executed on April 1, 2014.
Standardization of Color-Coded Alerts: Time for a National Effort
In 2005, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System received a report of a near miss that brought up a new issue in the nursing field. It involved a nurse who worked in two hospital facilities; one facility used yellow wristbands for limb restrictions (do not use this limb) and the other facility used them to indicate DNR (do not resuscitate). This nurse had a patient with arm restrictions. So, well-intentioned, she placed a yellow wristband on the patient’s arm.
Curing the Ills of Hospital Design
Improving healthcare can start by curing hospitals themselves: The construction of the new Mercy Hospital Joplin comes amid a revolution in thinking about how buildings themselves can improve medicine.
Health IT, Care Coordination, Drug Shortages Lead 2014 List of Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns
Patient safety is a top priority for every healthcare organization, but knowing where to direct initiatives can be daunting. To help organizations decide where to focus their efforts, ECRI Institute has compiled its first annual list of the Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns for Healthcare Organizations.