Critical Access
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State supreme court affirms $4.4 million verdict based on lack of informed consent
The male patient fell from a ladder and suffered multiple non-displaced rib fractures, among other injuries. -
1 in 4 handoffs threaten patient safety
The researchers who studied patient handoffs at 23 children’s hospitals found an alarmingly high baseline rate of handoff failure: 25.8% of the handoffs were insufficient or inaccurate.
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Free vaccine app speeds process, documentation
A free app offered by Underwriters Laboratory, based in Franklin, TN, can help risk managers improve their employee vaccination programs. -
Confirmation bias is pitfall for all clinicians
Confirmation bias has been known in healthcare for years, but clinicians still are learning how to avoid this pitfall. Emergency physicians are particularly susceptible, according to the study that most often is cited in explaining the problem. -
Obstetricians’ negligence leads to cerebral palsy, $9.6 million verdict for mother and child
The patient, an adult woman, was admitted to a medical center while 39 weeks pregnant in March 2002. On the day of delivery, the patient -
Personal communication improves handoffs
These are some of the primary changes made to improve the safety of patient handoffs at Akron (OH) Children’s Hospital:
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Corporate negligence can complicate med mal
Claims of corporate negligence can increase the stakes in a malpractice case, as plaintiffs seek the deeper pockets of the employer who hired and allowed a supposedly deficient healthcare provider to injure a patient. -
States say EMTALA doesn’t stop with admission
Complying with the Emergency Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) can be hard enough before court rulings give the rule a longer reach. Courts in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee have passed laws that make EMTALA applicable even after admission. -
EMTALA deficiencies rise, but why?
Recent data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) indicate that violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) are on the rise. An EMTALA expert suggests there are several reasons: -
Patient sitters found effective in reducing falls
Patient sitters can be effective in reducing falls, and the savings can exceed the cost of the sitters. Hospitals should follow specific guidelines for a sitter program.