FDA Proposes UDI System for Medical Devices
In response to requirements in legislation that passed Congress with broad bipartisan support, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed that most medical devices distributed in the United States carry a unique device identifier, or UDI.
Not Being Special
Sometimes, feeling “special” is a bad thing. Being special can be used as an excuse for not doing things that are generally accepted as ways to improve patient safety: Our patients are sicker. We work under more pressure. We can’t site-mark the kind of surgery we do. We don’t have time for double identifiers, barcoding, etc. No doubt, aspects of some medical environments require adjusting processes, even safety processes, but sometimes these are poor excuses for working around things that would make medical care safer and more reliable.
Voalté Releases Version 2.0 of its Point-of-Care Smartphone Communications Solution
Voalté, a leader in clinical communications technology, announced the release of Voalté One 2.0, the latest update to its point-of-care smartphone solution. The 2.0 software package, led by direct user feedback, improves the Voalté One solution by providing a faster and more streamlined user experience.
New Book Addresses Engaging Front-Line Staff in Sustainable Continuous Improvements
Geisinger and Merck to Collaborate on Multi-year Effort to Improve Patient Adherence, Engagement and Care Delivery
Sealed Air Partners with World Health Organization to Fight Healthcare Associated Infections
Sealed Air Corporation has announced its participation in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Private Organizations for Patient Safety (POPS) platform. As part of this major initiative, Sealed Air will bring the expertise of its Diversey brand portfolio together with leading healthcare professionals to promote best practices in hand hygiene for healthier patient care environments.
Investment Drives Ultrasound Disinfection Innovation and Product Development
GE recently announced a $7.5 million investment in Australian-based Nanosonics Limited – a leader in the development of innovative technology for infection control – to further develop and distribute Trophon EPR, an ultrasound transducer disinfecting system. The investment is being made through the GE healthymagination Fund, which makes investments in healthcare technology companies.
CMSA and ABQAURP Release Third Bi-Annual Health IT Survey Questionnaire
The Case Management Society of America (CMSA), the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, Inc. (ABQAURP) and several co-sponsors are pleased to announce the release of the third bi-annual Health Information Technology (IT) Survey.
Tool to Tackle Miscommunication Among Caregivers Released
An estimated 80 percent of serious medical errors involve miscommunication between caregivers when patients are transferred or handed-off. In addition to patient harm, defective hand-offs can lead to delays in treatment, inappropriate treatment, and increased length of stay in the hospital.
Patient Safety Campaign Raises Awareness about Shoulder Dystocia
PeriGen, Inc., an innovator of fetal surveillance systems, is launching a patient safety campaign designed to inform pregnant women about shoulder dystocia, a serious childbirth complication.