The DALE Foundation’s Post

National Patient Safety Awareness Week 2024 is March 10 -16 This year's theme for National Patient Safety Awareness week is 'Safer Together.' Here at Valley Medical Center, safety is our core value. "From March 10 - 16 we are emphasizing the importance of safety among the entire team, from the care providers to our support staff to our patients and their families. The focus on safe care is a top priority, all the time," said Dr. Shahina Banthanavasi, Chief Medical Officer. "To work effectively, we must provide care in a kind and collaborative environment where all of us use universal strategies like communicating clearly, paying attention to detail, having a questioning attitude, speaking up for safety, and operating as a team to be Safer Together." There are five universal behaviors for high reliability that we can all do that prevent errors: Communicate clearly.  Pay attention to the details. Have a questioning attitude. Operate as a team. Speak up for safety.

Did you know... that water quality and safety in dental offices is crucial for patient care? It's important to stay informed and educated on proper water management protocols to ensure the health and safety of our patients. Take the time to learn more about water safety in dental offices and how you can implement best practices in your workplace. Your knowledge and diligence can make a big difference in providing quality care for your patients. #DentalHygiene #WaterSafety #PatientCare To learn more register for our CE eligible webinars: https://bit.ly/3Ta1cBF

Patient safety investigations are ultimately about ensuring we learn from mistakes, and take meaningful action to improve. Here are some of the things I look for in a great patient safety investigation. Have I missed anything? ✅️ A robust Terms of Reference - your guide through the process ✅️ Attention to detail - the small details matter, and can often lead us to the root cause ✅️ Engagement at all levels - from patients and loved ones to staff at all levels, we need to be speaking to everyone who might have useful information ✅️ Asking 'why?' - until we get to the root cause - '5 Whys' is a good guide ✅️ Findings that tell a story - a good narrative helps build the picture ✅️ Robust recommendations that relate to both the ToR and findings Making sure we include the above helps build a SMART action plan that helps us improve

In keeping with my post from last week, here is another on the Joint Commission National Safety Goals. This week I will focus on Goal #2, Improve Staff Communication, especially Goal 2.03.01, get important test results to the right staff person on time. This Goal applies to Critical Access Hospitals, general hospitals, and laboratories. There are other subsets included in this goal, but to cover every one will take up a LOT of space. This one really resonates with me because this is a major reason why my brother in law died at age 51 (more about that later). When researching a medical record, here are some questions to ask: ➡ When was the test ordered? ➡ When was the test signed off by the nurse? ➡ When was the test performed? ➡ How long did it take for the results to become available? ➡ If there was a critical result, when was it communicated to a provider? ➡ What is the policy for critical value reporting? ➡ When did the provider respond to the critical value? ➡ What was the intervention for the critical value? ➡ When was the intervention performed, and by whom? ➡ What was the result of the intervention(s)? ➡ Who was notified about the results of the interventions, and when? This Goal came about because critical lab values and results of tests were not being communicated in a timely manner, leading to complications and even death. I remember many years ago reviewing the charts of one of my 10 or so patients and found that the BUN and creatinine were very high, and the labs were drawn in the morning. It was now after 10 PM, and I was doing my shift documentation. I contacted the resident immediately, and the proper treatment was given; however, this value should have been reported hours ago. Hospitals have protocols for receiving and reporting critical values that must be followed in order to give competent care. In the case of my brother in law, the echocardiogram technician saw what looked like an aortic dissection, but apparently the results were not communicated properly and he dies the next day from cardiac tamponade. Breaches of this Goal and the facility's policy (if present) are a RED FLAG when reviewing the medical record.

Here at LMH Health, your safety is one of our top priorities. In honor of Patient Safety Awareness Week, here are a few steps we take to minimize risks to our patients. ▪️ We focus on error prevention through consistent use of our reliability tools such as STAR and For Your Safety. ▪️We work to eliminate or minimize patient harm events by holding team meetings and huddles. ▪️We focus on reducing events such as falls, infections, identification errors and other events that can impact patient safety. ▪️We focus on preventing the error, not punishing the reporter. ▪️We encourage staff to Speak Up For Safety. ▪️We create an environment that fosters a questioning attitude.

Our top tips for legionella management in your dental practice! 👇 🦷 Make sure testing logbooks are up to date (and water outlets are clean!) - this might sound simple, but keeping on top of cleanliness can stop the spread of bacteria and illness. 🦷 Follow the ACOP L8 guidance to minimise workplace risks in your practice (this includes staff training, monthly monitoring and flushing regimes). 🦷 Carry out risk assessments - this report will give insight in how you can minimise risks long term. Find out more about how we can help: https://bit.ly/49goeNM #BisonAssist #Dental #Legionella

The Critical Role of Sterilization Students in Modern Healthcare In an era where patient safety is paramount, sterilization students are emerging as key players in the healthcare industry. These professionals-in-training are mastering the art and science of infection prevention, instrument preparation, and maintaining sterile environments. Key responsibilities include: Decontaminating and sterilizing medical instruments Managing inventory of sterile supplies Ensuring compliance with strict healthcare regulations Collaborating with surgical teams and other medical professionals As healthcare-associated infections remain a significant concern, the demand for skilled sterilization technicians continues to grow. Hospitals, clinics, and medical device companies are increasingly recognizing the value these specialists bring to patient care and operational efficiency. Are you a healthcare professional or educator? How do you see the role of sterilization evolving in the coming years? Share your insights below. #HealthcareEducation #PatientSafety #SterilizationTechnicians #MedicalProfessionals #InfectionControl

Common questions on the management of Legionella! Our team have given some tips to ensure your dental practice stays compliant 😀

Check out our FB live with the profit expert himself, Shannon Beck, where we share key strategies on how to grow your practice through hygiene. Stay tuned for our 3-part series! #hygienegrowth #practicegrowth

Eliminate any doubt around your organization’s readiness for the CMS’ proposed patient safety structural measures. Join our experts as they walk through everything you need to know. 📅Register for the opportunity to learn these key take aways from our safety experts Carole Stockmeier, MHA and Susan Teman, BSN, CPPS: 💡Understand the proposed CMS Patient Safety Structural Measures 📖 Learn strategies in safety culture and high reliability organizing 🔍 See how organizations who engage with our PSO are leading the way 🔗https://lnkd.in/g_5tZp3G