Hospital Peer Review – March 1, 2008
March 1, 2008
View Issues
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Confront data challenges for 'present on admission' before it's too late
Making sure that conditions that are "present on admission" (POA) are identified as such. Using newly acquired data to identify potential quality issues. Dealing with physicians who refuse to conform to new documentation requirements. -
For POA, put focus on patient care not billing
When it comes to requirements for "present on admission" (POA), the focus too often is on reimbursement instead of patient care, according to some quality improvement experts. -
Consider informed consent issues with QI initiatives
A group of hospitals implements an inexpensive, evidence-based intervention to prevent costly, potentially fatal infections in acutely ill patients. Investigators monitor the results and find a significant improvement in infection rates that is sustained over time. -
Nursing rounds: A 'win-win situation' for quality care
Would you like to decrease falls and nosocomial skin breakdown, reduce the frequency of patients' call light use, and increase satisfaction of both patients and nursing staff? After a 2006 study linked these and other benefits to nursing rounds, a growing number of organizations are implementing this practice. -
Patient Satisfaction Planner: Magnet facility credits communication for success
Baptist Health System of Jacksonville, FL, has become one of only 13 health care systems nationwide to achieve recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Magnet health care system, an international quality designation considered the "gold standard" for nursing and clinical care. -
Patient Satisfaction Planner: CM department scores big on member satisfaction
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island's case management department consistently scores in the 90th percentile on satisfaction surveys sent to members who have completed a case management program. -
Proposed additions to 2009 patient safety goals
Below are some of the proposed additions to The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) for 2009, with challenges outlined for each: -
The Quality - Cost Connection: Comply with anticoagulant management requirements
Improving the safety of using medications has always been a National Patient Safety Goal. Each year the goal is reviewed by The Joint Commission and requirements are adjusted based on current priorities.