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Health system is thought to be first to provide universal suicide screenings

In what appears to be a first for a health system, Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas recently implemented suicide screenings for all patients.

EHR gag clauses could hamper evaluation and patient safety at healthcare facilities

There is a likelihood that the contract for the EHR used at your hospital or health system includes a gag clause that prohibits talking to others about any dissatisfaction with the product. There are concerns that the gag clauses interfere with proper assessment of EHRs, which could in turn threaten patient safety.

IOM cites 8 goals for reducing diagnosis errors

The Institute of Medicine’s Improving Diagnosis in Health Care report outlines the following eight goals for reducing diagnosis errors.

Treat diagnosis errors as systemic, not individual human mistakes

Diagnostic errors are underappreciated and will require a collaborative approach to reduce them, according to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine.

Heads roll after OR team members invite others to laugh at patient

An incident involving an out-of-control OR team illustrates how undignified and abusive behavior can occur even at facilities with high standards.

Doctor reveals dirty secret about how operating room patients are treated

An essay in the Annals of Internal Medicine received the attention of not just the medical community, but also the general public, when it revealed how anesthetized patients are sometimes treated with disrespect and even subject to what could be considered assault.

Crack down on OR antics as public, plaintiffs’ bar learn of poor behavior

Imagine walking through a unit and seeing doctors and staff openly insulting patients, laughing at racist and misogynist remarks, and even making inappropriate sexual contact.

Failure to disclose doctor’s financial interest in medical product leads to $5.5 million verdict

News: A man with three broken ribs was admitted into a local hospital. It was determined the man did not need surgery but should have his pain managed before being discharged a few days later.

Overprescribing opioids leads to more than $718,000 jury verdict

News: In 2009, a 64-year-old man went to the hospital seeking treatment for his broken foot and an exacerbation of his COPD. While in the hospital’s ED, he was given 3 mg of Dilaudid, a powerful opioid used to manage pain. He was given the drug three times, 1 mg at a time over three hours.

HRM adds free CME

Beginning this month, Healthcare Risk Management offers free continuing medication education, in addition to continuing nursing education. To participate, simply see the instructions in this issue.