The Joint Commission has updated its sentinel events statistics, according to an official statement on the accrediting organization’s Web site. The updates can be viewed here.
True or false: Hospitals not only need to monitor time frames for reporting critical test results and values, they must also monitor the timeliness of reporting routine test results and values.
Every so often, AHAP receives a request to help get the word out about an open position that might be of interest to our members, and we’re always happy to help. Here is a description of a Manager of Accreditation we received information on.
True or false: An admission history and physical completed within 30 days prior to admission must be updated with any changes in the patient’s condition prior to the patient receiving anesthesia or up to 24 hours after admission if the patient is not having a procedure that requires anesthesia...
As an undergraduate and graduate student, I spent a fair amount of time listening to guest speakers in my healthcare courses. A common theme I found in many talks was the constant need for speakers to “put out fires” in their respective organizations. Although they spoke about strategic planning...
Today’s medical students are not learning enough about patient safety, the importance of teamwork and communication, and safety science, according to a new white paper released in March by the Lucian Leape Institute at the National Patient Safety Foundation. The report, Unmet Needs: Teaching...
Next time you’re brainstorming a way to engage staff in a patient safety–related fair or observance, consider creating a quilt. That’s what staff at Boone (IA) County Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital, did to promote Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW), which took place March 7–14,...
Staff members are often trained to report a potential medical error, or near-miss event. However, more often than not, these events go unreported. In 2003, The University of Texas (UT) System, made up of six health institutions, developed a system that allowed the anonymous reporting of close...
Core measures—they’re a part of the fabric of hospital life, particularly given their connection to CMS reimbursement numbers. All staff will have encountered core measures at some point, and have a basic understanding. But how do you ensure their knowledge level is up to date and sufficient to...
