Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – October 1, 2003

October 1, 2003

• Patient-focused care boosts patient satisfaction while enhancing safety

  From testing to telemetry, patient care is being brought to the bedside of a growing number of patients across the country. Engendered by constantly evolving and improving technology, patient-focused care is demonstrating a significant potential for improving patient safety while bolstering satisfaction.

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• Checkoffs play key role in SICU improvement

  A patient daily goals checkoff form used twice daily during rounds has helped the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) team at Hartford (CT) Hospital achieve a 25% drop in its mortality rate, while cutting lengths of stay and ventilator days.

  Read more about Checkoffs play key role in SICU improvement - Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – October 1, 2003

• Program distinguishes illness from disease

  First- and second-year students at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor will be getting an unusual look at the processes of disease and illness beginning this fall, when they visit patients in their homes to gain an understanding of how family, environment, culture, and lifestyle all play a part in an individuals health.

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• HFAP survey earns facility referral status

  Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, AL, recently completed a survey process with the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), which has deeming authority to survey hospitals under the Medicare Conditions of Participation. (HFAP is designed to service allopathic [MD] and osteopathic [DO] facilities alike.)

  Read more about HFAP survey earns facility referral status - Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – October 1, 2003

• IOM cites core functions to improve EHR systems

  As part of a national effort to encourage the adoption of computer-based health records, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) panel has identified a set of eight core functions that electronic health records (EHRs) should perform to promote greater safety, quality, and efficiency in health care delivery.

  Read more about IOM cites core functions to improve EHR systems - Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – October 1, 2003

• Audio conference clarifies final EMTALA regulations

  The final version of the recently proposed changes to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) takes effect Nov. 10.

  Read more about Audio conference clarifies final EMTALA regulations - Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – October 1, 2003