-
The electrocardiogram (ECG) and X-ray of a chest pain patient in his mid-50s were both normal when examined by the treating ED physician. However, the physician's shift ended before the patient's lab results were back. Based on the test results that were back, the oncoming ED physician discharged the patient as "chest pain, non-cardiac." Several hours later, the lab results came back with critical values.
-
While The Joint Commission has not introduced any new National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) for 2010, that doesn't mean the clock has stopped on the implementation of earlier goals.
-
Steady growth in Medicare dollars paid for outpatient observation services indicates that the introduction of "composite payments" in 2008 received the attention of hospitals. Medicare saw an increase of $73 million in payments for observation from 2007 to 2008.
-
The ED at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City has virtually eliminated ambulance diversion; there were two diversions in June. It also has reduced its rate of patients leaving without being treated from 12% to 4%. Both achievements are thanks to a targeted program developed by a team representing the entire department.
-
"No unit is an island" might be the theme of a new Sentinel Event Alert from The Joint Commission (TJC).
-
-
Following the success of a program that provides remote monitoring of chronically ill patients in poverty-stricken rural areas, Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center in Ahoskie, NC, is replicating the program at six other community health centers in North Carolina.
-
Amputation, anaphylactic shock, asthmatic reaction, cardiac arrest, convulsion, seizure, diabetic emergency, head injury, heat stroke, and pneumothorax.
-
A long-term machine operator employee in his 60s was working in the pocketed coil department at an Atlanta, GA-based Simmons Bedding Co. factory, when he suffered a sudden massive heart attack.
-
Despite the recession, incentives paid to employees for participation in health and wellness programs show no signs of slowing down.
