In recent years, advocacy groups, researchers, healthcare providers, and others have raised awareness and understanding about diagnostic errors, drawing attention to the profound effect that these mistakes have on patients, families, and clinicians.
Read moreEngaging patients and their families in the diagnostic process is a key strategy for building effective diagnostic teams and reducing diagnostic errors. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine's pivotal report Improving Diagnosis in Health Care states that "Health care professionals and organizations are responsible for creating environments in which patients and their families can learn about and engage in the diagnostic process and provide feedback about their experience."1
Read morePracticing diligent hand hygiene is a well-known principle of patient and healthcare worker safety and a standard precaution for infection prevention and control in healthcare organizations of all types and sizes, including dental practices. In fact, hand hygiene often is recognized as the single most important step that dental providers and staff can take to prevent the spread of infections.1
Read moreThe concept of psychological safety is increasingly viewed as a critical component of an overall culture of safety in healthcare. Leaders and other individuals within healthcare organizations have seen the value of psychological safety in promoting an environment of caring and well-being, improving patient outcomes, preventing staff burnout, cultivating staff resilience, and supporting staff recruitment and retention. Further, psychological safety plays a pivotal role in diversity, inclusion, and belonging1 — key issues that have become more pronounced in recent years as the focus on various inequities has sharpened.
Read moreThe patient was a male in his mid-eighties who had a history of prostate and bladder cancer leading to bone metastasis. Following a hospital stay, he was transferred to a long-term care/rehabilitation (LTC/rehab) facility. When the patient arrived at the facility, the admissions nurse documented that he had a Stage 4 sacral pressure injury.
Read moreDiversity is a cornerstone of American culture that is reflected in our national institutions and endeavors, including healthcare. Healthcare providers and staff members interact on a daily basis with people of varying backgrounds and experiences. Although patient populations might differ based on geographic location or type of facility, the need for culturally competent care never diminishes.
Read moreAltering documentation in patient records can have serious consequences, including allegations of fraud and professional misconduct — and it also can make malpractice claims difficult to defend. Yet, mistakes happen and situations undoubtedly will occur that require healthcare providers to make corrections, addendums, or late entries in patient records.
Read moreAllegations associated with diagnostic errors — i.e., wrong diagnoses, delayed diagnoses, and missed diagnoses — are a top cause of malpractice lawsuits. A number of risk factors can lead to diagnostic errors, including issues related to documentation of clinical care.
Read more
MedPro