Healthcare Risk Management
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Hospitals report success with video monitoring
Several hospitals have reported good experiences with video monitoring to reduce falls.
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Fall-risk patients monitored continuously by video
When a fall-risk patient at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston is monitored remotely by video, the person watching is trained and ready to intervene if the patient is in danger.
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Video monitoring reduces falls as well as cutting costs for hospitals
Hospitals that deploy remote video monitoring systems staffed with dedicated, trained observers can reduce patient falls significantly, with one reporting a reduction in patient falls and employee injuries, while also reducing associated costs.
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OSHA underscores threat of healthcare violence
Underscoring the threat in hospitals, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released updated Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers.
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Hospital softens security image, staff rebels
Despite a series of violent incidents that left the staff rattled, leaders at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, TN, recently decided to soften the image of its security guards to convey a more “family-friendly” environment, according to news reports and staff complaints.
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Bank robber lockdown holds lessons for healthcare risk managers
Healthcare risk managers can work with their security directors to study the recent lockdown at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA, for lessons that might improve their own emergency planning.
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Escaped prisoner tests hospital security plans
When a prisoner escaped from guards recently at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA, staff and others in the facility were in jeopardy. The hospital’s security plan was activated and proved the value of planning for such an incident.
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Shootings, other violence on the rise and pose major liability risks
Shootings and other violence in healthcare facilities are increasing, which is prompting administrators to take another look at their security. Experts caution that priorities sometimes are misplaced and that failing to protect employees can lead to significant liability.
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Complications post-thyroid surgery lead to patient death, $1.3 million verdict
News: A patient undergoing thyroid surgery was accompanied to the hospital by her sister and daughter. After surgery, the patient began to struggle with her breathing. The patient’s sister and daughter observed the surgeon and nurses work on the patient for more than 30 minutes, during which time the patient’s condition deteriorated until the patient stopped breathing and lost her pulse, which led to permanent brain injury. The patient died 10 days later.
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Failure to diagnose cauda equina syndrome results in $2.5 million verdict from jury
News: A 19-year-old woman sought treatment at a local hospital ED for severe lower back pain and pelvic numbness. A nurse practitioner quickly discharged her and attributed the symptoms to common back pain. The ED physician failed to consult with the patient, but subsequently approved the nurse’s actions. Two days later, the patient was diagnosed with cauda equine syndrome but had suffered serious and permanent injuries.