‘Orangeworm’ Virus Targets Healthcare Sector
Kwampirs was found on software used for X-Rays and MRIs, and the malware also targets systems used to assist patients in completing consent forms for required procedures.
Orangeworm’s motives with the Kwampirs malware are not clear, but Symantec says it is likely the work of an individual or a small group of hackers, and the goal is corporate espionage.
Leapfrog Report Card Finds Improvement in Errors, Accidents, Infections
Leapfrog issues the report cards twice a year, grading hospitals on an “A through F” scale based on their patient safety efforts.
Study Questions Effectiveness of Performance Measures
The study notes that a recent survey found that 63% of physicians said that current performance measures do not capture the quality of the care physicians provide.
FDA Unveils Medical Device Safety Plan
The Medical Device Safety Action Plan outlines the FDA’s vision for device and patient safety.
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.
New TJC Sentinel Event Alert Focuses on Violence Against Healthcare Workers
The purpose of the new alert is to help hospitals and other healthcare organizations better recognize workplace violence directed by patients and visitors toward healthcare workers and better prepare healthcare staff to address workplace violence, both in real time and afterward.
Study: Patient Care Improves When Docs Have Malpractice Immunity
Published in Health Management, Policy and Innovation, the study found there was no negative impact on patient safety when approximately 900 University of Miami Health System physicians were given sovereign immunity from medical malpractice claims while working at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami
HFAP to Keep Name, Transition to AAHHS Brand Canceled
According to HFAP media representative Mary Velan, there’s currently no AAHHS brand to speak of, nor is there going to be one in the near future. Further, she says, “moving forward there will be only HFAP.”
Patient Safety Tools Designed to Minimize Risks from System Mergers and Acquisitions
Ariadne Labs and CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions released a set of patient safety tools designed to help clinical leaders identify safety risks and prevent potential harm.
Denver Hospital Warns Surgical Patients of Infection Risk
The breach may have affected patients who underwent orthopedic or spine surgery between July 21, 2016 and February 20, 2018, according to a statement released by Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.