Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
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Researchers provide new template for more effective handoffs
Citing the elusiveness of "standardized and reliable measurement tools" for patient handoffs, a group of researchers has come up with a set of seven "framings," or interventions, they say can be used to improve them: -
PI initiative yields impressive turnaround
Not too long ago, Irwin Army Community Hospital, in Fort Riley, KS, had an obvious quality issue; more than 30% of its "board" results results used to determine if there are adequate medical reasons to "separate" a soldier from the military were being returned, which in many cases required a repeat of the process. -
A skeleton key to the new UTI guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has completed a massive update and revision of its 1981 guidelines to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs). -
CDC recommends QI to reduce CA-UTIs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that infection preventionists implement quality improvement (QI) programs or strategies to enhance appropriate use of indwelling catheters and to reduce the risk of CA-UTI based on a facility risk assessment. -
Research on discharge for coronary patients
Several new studies highlight the need for more thorough discharge planning in the care of coronary and congestive heart failure patients. -
Lack of adherence in heart failure therapy
When research suggests changes in standard medical practice, the public health community expects physicians and hospitals to adopt the new way and help improve patient outcomes. -
Survey sheds light on lack of senior planning
A new survey, conducted by a worldwide company that provides private, in-home care for older adults, suggests that older Americans and their adult children do a poor job of planning for their future needs as health begins to fail.