Environment and Facilities

Ecolab Healthcare Launces Encompass O.R. to Improve Hygiene

‐

In late March, Ecolab Inc. launched the EnCompass™ O.R. Environmental Hygiene program, which provides healthcare facilities with a proven approach to improve the cleanliness of operating rooms (O.R.) and reduce the risk of infections. The training and education program has received the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) “Seal of Recognition” for meeting the guidelines set forth in AORN’s Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices.

Read More »
Patient Safety

EMP Forms Patient Safety Organization

‐

Emergency Medicine Physicians (EMP) is now listed as a Patient Safety Organization (PSO) by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), on behalf of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Read More »
Accreditation & Regulation

The Joint Commission Enterprise Launches HAI Portal

‐

On April 2, The Joint Commission enterprise launched a health care-associated infections (HAI) electronic portal that provides a wealth of HAI resources. The “HAI Portal” is a joint effort of The Joint Commission enterprise, which includes the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare, Joint Commission Resources, and Joint Commission International.

Read More »
Uncategorized

“Show Me the Money”

‐

By Carlos Nunez

 

A curious thing is happening.

 

As the healthcare conversation moved front and center over the last several years, a correlation developed linking cost and quality. Politicians and providers, payors and patients have embraced these complementary themes as the “one-two punch” that will win the fight to keep our healthcare system safe, solvent and sustainable. As far as punches go, it sounds almost painless: Make the system better and safer, and the savings will follow. Who would argue with that logic?

 

Now it seems that some prominent voices have started to pivot the conversation toward the need for greater cost control, suggesting that quality and safety efforts alone may not deliver the necessary savings.

 

 

Read More »
Infection Control

Collaboration Announced to Prevent Surgical Site Infections and Other Adverse Outcomes

‐

A joint, strategic partnership to improve surgical patient safety at the national level was announced on April 16 by leaders of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At the core of the alliance is a desire to sustain and strengthen quality health care by combining expertise and organizational resources in tracking, reporting, and preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) and other adverse outcomes among surgical patients.

Read More »