Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – February 1, 2004
February 1, 2004
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Control charts: Type of data plotted determines type of chart selected
This is the second in a series of articles on control charts. In the first article, presented in our January 2004 issue, we defined control charts and described the types of situations that lend themselves to the use of control charts. This month, we examine the process of selecting the most appropriate control chart.) -
Study: Shorter stays don’t reduce quality
According to a study published in the Oct. 23, 2003, New England Journal of Medicine, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system has slashed the time veterans spend in the hospital by half without sacrificing quality of patient care. -
JCAHO strengthening its infection standards
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has approved revised standards to help prevent the occurrence of deadly health care-associated infections (HAIs). -
Women’s high CRP levels can predict hypertension
In an eight-year study of more than 20,000 women, researchers at Brigham and Womens Hospital (BWH) in Boston have found for the first time that high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation proven to predict risk of heart attack and stroke, also may predict the future development of hypertension. BWH is a 725-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare System, an integrated health care delivery network. -
WHO issues benchmarks on musculoskeletal ills
The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global Burden of Disease technical report, or Monitor Project as it is sometimes known, which for the first time involves the assessment and publication of benchmarks on musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. -
AHRQ funding IT projects to boost safety, quality
As part of a larger initiative to support investments in information technology in the nations health care delivery system, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in Rockville, MD, is seeking applications for about 100 grants to plan, implement, and demonstrate the value of health information technology to improve patient safety and quality of care. -
Clarification
In the cover story of our October 2003 issue, we referred to Planar Systems Invitium workstation as an example of point-of-care radiology. Planar clarifies: Invitium is a POC workstation designed for patient bedside diagnostic testing, charting, and order entry; medication administration; and accessing laboratory, PACS, and other information.