Pennsylvania Agency Reports 'Disruptive Behavior' in State Health CareIn its 2010 June Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory, the Authority released information pertaining to healthcare providers and how their disruptive behavior can jeopardize patient safety. Harrisburg Patriot-News reporter, David Wenner, interviewed several local healthcare providers to discuss how disruptive behavior in healthcare facilities can harm patients. The story was picked up by the Associated Press and several media outlets.
Surgical Fires and ReportingThis article published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer highlights surgical fires and reporting in Ohio. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority is featured for its mandatory reporting program of Serious Events and Incidents for patient safety.
St. Christopher's Hospital Eliminates Preventable Threats in the NICUSt. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia is featured for its work in successfully eliminating ventilator associated pnuemonia in patients. This article featuring the hospital's work is written by patient advocate Mary Ellen Mannix for the Philadelphia Public Health Examiner. The article is based upon information first published in the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority's Patient Safety Advisory.
C. Difficile Infections (CDI) Are IncreasingThe Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority anlayzed data within nursing homes that shows C. Difficile infections are rising. Research also shows C. Diff cases are rising in hospitals as well. This article from the Bucks County Courier Times highlights the importance of patients, residents and family members educating themselves about C. Difficile and using antibiotics.
Milestone for the Pennsylvania Patient Safety AuthorityThe Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority recently reached a milestone in reporting. Over one million reports of serious events and incidents have been reported to the Authority. The Philadelphia Business Journal highlights the press release distributed that emphasizes the need for facilities to learn from the events and implement process changes. However, the number of events also reflects how far healthcare facilities have come in terms of reporting.
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Helps Hospitals Pinpoint Safety IssuesTo improve patient safety, hospitals in southeastern Pennsylvania have implemented new policies to rely less on giving patients sleeping pills for a good night's sleep. Patient Safety Authority data shows that certain sleeping pills and other drugs can make it more likely a patient will fall. Jo Ciavaglia from the Bucks County Courier Times reports about the Authority data and about what hospitals are doing to reduce the risk of falls.
Hospitals in Southeastern PA Work to Improve Patient SafetyHospitals in southeastern Pennsylvania are working together to prevent pressure ulcers (bed sores) in their facilities. This article from the Bucks County Courier Times shows what the hospitals are doing to improve patient safety in their facilities. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority data is mentioned.
Lost Decade for Patient SafetyThis editorial column by David Fallk examines the road taken by the healthcare industry since the 1999 IOM Report "To Err is Human" was released. In the report, it was shown that preventable medical errors were killing up to 98,000 Americans annually. Fallk points out that since 2002 medical malpractice lawsuits have declined 40 percent. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority data is mentioned.
Pennsylvania Nursing Homes Begin Reporting Healthcare-Associated InfectionsPennsylvania nursing homes in the eastern part of the state began reporting healthcare-associated infections to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority for educational purposes and to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for regulatory purposes. This piece from WHYY radio discusses the issue with the Authority's executive director and others.
Medical Mistakes are Unhappy RealityWrong-site surgery continues to be a serious problem in many healthcare facilities which is the focus of this article from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Patient Safety Authority's Clinical Director, Dr. John Clarke, discusses the frequency of wrong-site surgeries in Pennsylvania and other states.
Finding a Way to Ask Doctors Tough QuestionsThe Patient Safety Authority has educated the public about the importance of patients and their families participating in their healthcare. Pennsylvania's healthcare facilities also encourage their patients to ask questions. A recent study in Pennsylvania shows that consumers are participating more in their healthcare. This article in The Wall Street Journal discusses the issue with the Authority's clinical director.
In Just a Flash, Simple Surgery Can Turn DeadlyAlthough rare, surgical fires remain a concern for healthcare providers working in operating rooms. Studies show in the United States about 650 surgical fires occur each year. The Wall Street Journal published an article about the risks of surgical fires and discusses the importance of prevention with the Patient Safety Authority's clinical director.
Confusion Over Patient End-of-Life WishesThe Patient Safety Authority published data in its 2008 December Patient Safety Advisory that showed healthcare providers and patients may not understand the differences between a living will and a do-not-resuscitate order. A news article in The Intelligencer explained why it is important for patients to ensure their end-of-life wishes are understood by their family members and healthcare providers.
Doctor Stands Up for Patient Care, Wins CaseThe Authority is mentioned in this case out of California for its whistleblower protection established for physicians and other healthcare providers. The article is from American Medical News.