Patient Safety Monitor Journal, November 2017

Editor's Note: Click the PDF button above for a full edition of the November 2017 edition of Patient Safety Monitor Journal

Harvey, Irma, and Maria: Questions hospitals need to answer before a hurricane hits

While the deadline to meet CMS's new emergency preparedness Conditions of Participation (CoP) is November 15, hurricanes this August and September have shown why these rules are needed in the first place.

Saving blood: The relatively simple task of blood management

Want to save your bosses some money and improve patient safety? Improve your blood transfusion practices. A study published in the August 2017 issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety found that by eliminating unnecessary red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, researchers were able to save their hospital over $1 million per year.

Treating patients with hearing, vision, and LEP issues

Review how clinicians and other staff interact with patients who have communication issues, such as deafness or limited English proficiency (LEP). Not only are communication issues receiving increased scrutiny from patients and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), but your hospital could lose money if fined or sued based on such issues.

Match quality of care with respect when treating LGBTQ patients

In 2016, 4.1% of the U.S. population identified as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and competency in the special needs of LGBTQ patients is increasingly expected of providers.

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