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Missed or delayed cancer diagnoses are a frequent cause of patient harm and malpractice lawsuits in the ambulatory setting. Several domains have been identified that contribute to preventable delays in diagnosis, ranging from system factors (such as delays in obtaining appointments) to physician…
Timely notification of critical laboratory values ensures prompt clinical intervention for potential life-threatening conditions and is a requirement of regulatory and accreditation agencies including The Joint Commission and the College of American Pathologists.
The Jacobi Medical Center Department of Radiology analyzed the 15.3 percent rise in annual computerized tomography (CT) requests from 2007 to 2009 to identify opportunities to prevent overutilization and resulting patient harm from radiation exposure. The interdepartmental nature and…
Appropriate treatment for pressure ulcers requires accurate initial evaluation and the ability to track ulcer status. Adhering to the philosophy of transparency and promotion of patient well-being, the nursing staff at Coney Island Hospital incorporated information technology and digital imaging…
Highland Hospital's Geriatric Fracture Center has achieved improved clinical outcomes (complications, length of stay, mortality, and readmission rates) and lower costs using a model of co-managed care. The patient population includes those age 60 and older with fragility fractures, who are…
Highland Hospital established its Rapid Response Team in late 2006 to provide a quick, multidisciplinary medical team approach to assess and treat a patient whose condition is deteriorating, and to provide support and education to staff, as needed. Goals include stabilization of patients to prevent…
What is it?Since 1996, this volunteer-based program has provided the Northwest Arkansas community with services for seniors, including transportation, shopping, chore assistance, minor home repair, community services linkage and friendly visits. Who is it for?Area individuals age 60 and older who…
A medical staff that is committed to social justice and a vision statement that includes reducing health care disparities. Alameda County Medical Center had these pieces in place to address disparities. Participating in the Disparities Leadership Program , at Massachusetts General Hospital, was the…
The ProblemMedication reconciliation—comparing a patient's medication orders to all medications the patient has been taking—helps to avoid medication errors such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors and drug interactions. The Institute for Safe Medication Practice estimates…