Diagnostic Error: Chaos or Conquerable?
February 3, 2016
Given that proven effective solutions exist today, why haven’t more institutions implemented programs that have proven to reduce diagnostic errors? I listened with great interest to the interview conducted by Dr. Robert Wachter with Dr. Mark Graber in the January 2016 podcast of “Perspectives on Safety,” also published in the AHRQ PSNet. Dr. Graber makes…Read More
Key Considerations When Funding a Patient Safety Program
January 27, 2016
Funding a patient safety program can be challenging, especially when the return on investment is constantly under scrutiny. While the ultimate goal of your program is safer care of patients, there are also measurable financial benefits that result from reduction in claims and malpractice litigation. Professional liability carriers, whether commercial or self-insured, also have a…Read More
Avoid Readmissions vs. Death After Discharge
January 13, 2016
It is certainly a good idea to avoid readmissions that are deemed unnecessary. However, from the vantage point of risk and patient safety, the sword of readmissions reduction has another sharp and dangerous edge. Plain and simple, along with sensible system solutions, there will be irrational but powerful pressures exerted on the gatekeepers of inpatient…Read More
Evidence-based Medicine: What’s the Buzz?
November 10, 2015
Healthcare is all abuzz about evidence-based medicine (EBM), and legions of clinicians are struggling with how to incorporate EBM into the new paradigm of providing the safest possible high-quality healthcare in the most efficient manner. Evidence-based Medicine: Origins and Definition The term “evidence-based medicine” was coined over 20 years ago by a group of physicians…Read More
IOM’s Call to Arms for Failure to Diagnose
November 3, 2015
Fifteen years ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a landmark report “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System.” The IOM shocked the world revealing that up to 98,000 humans may die each year as a result of medical errors. That actually came as no surprise to those of us dedicated to patient…Read More
Prevention and Treatment for Stroke
October 28, 2015
Prevention and Treatment for Stroke World Stroke Day, established by the World Stroke Organization in 2006, is observed worldwide on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. Stroke has emerged as one…Read More
CMS Programs that Impact Healthcare Reimbursement
October 14, 2015
Clinicians play an integral role in leading the adoption of CMS regulatory changes. What follows is a summary of program updates for FY2017 that will impact healthcare reimbursement. Value-Based Purchasing Program: The Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program for FY2017 (with performance period of 2015) will focus on several domains: Clinical Care – This metric for FY2017…Read More
Managing Patient Volume in ED
November 12, 2014
Are you prepared for surges in your ED patient volumes? As we head into the peak of flu season, many facilities are already feeling the effects of increased volumes, such as: Longer waiting times Staff exposed to more airborne illnesses resulting in increased sick time A shift in perceptions of care resulting in lower patient…Read More
A Distressed Labor & Delivery Unit
October 25, 2014
Scenario: Dr. Mary Smith, the Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at County Hospital, was en route to a meeting with Dr. John Bart, Chief Medical Officer. The purpose of the meeting was to review patient complaints originating out of her service. While waiting for the elevator, Dr. Smith was hurriedly approached by an obviously…Read More
