Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority data shows almost 40 percent of gastrointestinal infections in nursing home patients are CDI related and bloodstream infection risk reduction strategies in PA health facilities are questioned

The Authority will promote key components for increased patient safety in healthcare facilities during Patient Safety Awareness Week March 7-13

Analysis of data related to insulin medication errors and a local hospital’s success in reducing hospital readmission costs are highlighted in quarterly journal

The complications of pregnancy and childbirth have been targeted in the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority’s 2009 December Supplementary Patient Safety Advisory. The special issue provides gynecologists, obstetricians, midwives and the entire obstetric team, with strategies to help them prevent the complications based upon real Pennsylvania data.

The position will be based in the southwest region with two more hires planned in the southeast completing the Patient Safety Liaison program

All Pennsylvania registered nurses can receive continuing education hours required by law by reading Patient Safety Advisory articles that are posted on the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) web site, www.panurses.org.

The Patient Safety Authority Encourages Older Persons and Healthcare Workers to Get Immunized and Offers New Consumer Tips Based Upon Authority Data

A shortage of Tamiflu in liquid form has contributed to some dosage errors due to staff’s unawareness of the higher concentration in the contents of the Tamiflu pill form when developing their own liquid version of the drug

The Authority provides nursing home facilities with analytical tools to study their infection data and offers a new infection prevention tips screensaver for facilities to use year-round

Pocono Medical Center and facilities in the northeast work together to reduce the number of laboratory errors due to specimen mislabeling

Drug mix-ups occur frequently due to packaging and sound-alike drug names

Group represents healthcare professionals from across Pennsylvania with substantial experience in infection control management and practice

Actual and Near Miss Wrong-Site Surgery is Reported Every Other Day in PA Healthcare Facilities

The results show pharmacy computer systems in Pennsylvania facilities are not detecting unsafe drug orders as well as they could be

Patient Safety Initiatives Include Educating Hospital Boards of Trustees about the Importance of Disclosure and Learning from Events

Report shows significant number of changes made in healthcare facilities as a result of guidance issued by the Authority, but more work remains for increasing patient safety within institutions and reducing preventable medical errors

Patient Safety Authority issues risk predictors and guidance to prevent the third most common cause of hospital-acquired kidney failure

The Authority will hold a public board meeting and release results from an assessment of electronic pharmacy computer systems in Pennsylvania hospitals which show opportunities for improvement

Patient Safety Authority advises orthopedic surgeons about the risks and suggests prevention strategies

Rabinowitz was named the Authority’s first Administrator in November, 2002.

The Eisenberg Award recognizes the Authority’s efforts to make the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) into a nationally recognized resource for education and learning about patient safety.

Patient Safety Authority issues guidance to healthcare facilities to prevent painful skin injury to patients

Task Force develops standards for use of Color-Coded Wristbands

Although sometimes necessary, verbal orders can lead to errors unless safe practice protocols are in place

Research from Mandatory Reporting Drives Change in Patient Care Nearly 75% of Hospitals Have Implemented Quality Improvements as a Result of Act 13

Over 100 reports cite drug in question and include four patient deaths. Other reported data show risks involving manufacturer’s representatives, contaminated surgical instruments and look-alike packaging

New consumer web page includes a brochure with advice for patients on how they can help prevent medical errors

Reports suggest that more detailed discharge instructions and greater patient communication at discharge could help improve safety and continuity of care for recovering patients

A recent “near-miss” report submitted to the Patient Safety Authority emphasizes the need for caution by healthcare facilities

Country’s First Mandatory Reporting System for Adverse Events and Near Misses; Data Reveals Trends and Patterns to Help Enhance Patient Safety

State Agency Calls Upon Healthcare Providers to Prevent Patient Harm By Promoting Patient Safety

Hospitals May Be Eligible for Discounts in Medical Malpractice Premiums

Dr. Robert Muscalus receives award for Pennsylvania’s innovative approach to improving patient safety

Over 400 health care facilities now reporting through Pennsylvania’s Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS); Medical error reporting system is first in the nation.

First advisory issued to promote patient safety. Nearly 400 healthcare facilities to begin mandatory reporting by early summer.

Twenty-two hospitals and surgical centers participate in initial phase of mandatory statewide reporting system; Pennsylvania in the forefront in promoting patient safety.

Patient Safety Authority awards contract to implement innovative program to improve patient safety; contract awarded to Pennsylvania-based firms; Pennsylvania in the forefront