Hospital Peer Review 2007-07-01

Hospitals choose to share survey results, the good and the bad, with the public

It's not uncommon for hospitals to receive requirements for improvements (RFIs) after a Joint Commission survey. What is surprising is that in May, Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital chose to share this information publicly — not just its accreditation status, but its complete survey results.

Hospital learns the pros and cons of openness

After a baby was nursed by the wrong mother at Immanuel St. Joseph's Mayo Health System in Mankato, MN, the family members involved were understandably very upset and very vocal. They alerted the news media, which reported on the incident, and staff were educated about processes to ensure this would not occur again.

Antibiotic timeframe now six hours: Joint Commission

Previously, patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia were to receive antibiotic administration within four hours of presentation. Now, The Joint Commission standards call for antibiotic administration within six hours.

When should case be sent for external peer review?

Imagine being in the position of publicly critiquing a competing hospital's compliance with Joint Commission requirements. Would you be able to be completely objective? Even if you were, would your colleagues really trust your ability to be impartial?

Discharge Planning Advisor: Homeless pose unique discharge challenge

In the wake of a first-of-its-kind settlement regarding the discharge of a homeless woman by a Kaiser Permanente hospital in Southern California, indications are that the disturbing issues it aims to address are far from unique.

Discharge Planning Advisor: Sutter program addresses homeless housing, care

A two-pronged initiative under way at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, CA, aims to provide interim housing for homeless patients who need home support services or assistance with medications as well as reduce the use of the hospital emergency departments (EDs) for primary care among homeless patients.

Discharge Planning Advisor: Collaboration key in new discharge notice rule

Beginning July 2, hospitals must begin a new process of notifying Medicare beneficiaries of their discharge appeal rights.

Use objective criteria for external review

At Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center in Houston, quality professionals are well aware of the importance of getting an outside perspective. "When you are in the midst of the forest, you can't see some of the processes that have become a habit to you," says Angela Lenox, the hospital's peer review manager.

The Quality - Cost Connection: Turn peer reviews into learning occasions

Joint Commission standards require the organized medical staff oversee the quality of care, treatment, and services rendered by physicians and other licensed independent practitioners. This includes monitoring the quality of services provided by hospital-based practitioners such as radiologists and pathologists.

Change in requirement for ED pharmacy review

Just 14 weeks after The Joint Commission approved an interim action that allowed pharmacists to retrospectively review ED medication orders to comply with element of performance (EP) 1 for standard 4.10 of medication management, the action was suspended.

Hospital Peer Review – July 1, 2007

July 1, 2007