NPSF in the News
The Work of Patient Safety
On Jun 30, 2011 | CommentsADVANCE for Nurses, June 30, 2011
One of the greatest achievements of the patient safety movement has been establishing patient safety and healthcare quality as a legitimate discipline within healthcare and related fields. In order to help healthcare professionals achieve recognition in this field and remain knowledgeable about patient safety issues, NPSF established the American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety. Diane Pinakiewicz, president of NPSF, explains the mission and work of ASPPS. More…
Three Questions Hospital Staff Should Ask the CEO
On Jun 07, 2011 | CommentsHospitals & Health Systems, June 7, 2011
Many hospital staffers, in both clinical and nonclinical roles, feel overworked and undervalued. Leaders need to encourage their employees to speak up about both disruptive behavior and new ideas. More…
Truth Telling: Can Your Hospital Handle it?
On May 31, 2011 | CommentsHospitals & Health Networks, May 31, 2011
It is clear that hospitals are under more pressure than ever to provide the public with transparency. What’s not clear is what form this transparency will take, and if hospitals will be able to handle disclosing information that is potentially unflattering without losing the trust of patients and their families. More…
VA infection issue leads to 113,000 veterans’ tests
On May 29, 2011 | CommentsAP, May 29, 2011
Despite clear protocols for hand washing and equipment sterilization, the biggest obstacle to prevention of hospital-acquired infections is noncompliance with infection-control procedures. More…
Drug Labeling Overload
On May 27, 2011 | CommentsWebMD, May 27, 2011
A new study reports that prescription drugs list an average of 70 possible side effects. Labeling regulations aim to protect consumers and help them make informed choices, but is extensive labeling doing more harm than good? More…
‘The Vise is Tightening’ On Patient Safety
On May 27, 2011 | CommentsHospitals & Health Networks
Large-scale change in the realm of patient safety is not coming as quickly as hoped. Some feel that many safety errors are not preventable, but Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital shows that drastic, measurable change is possible. More…
Leadership that Will Not Blink
On May 26, 2011 | CommentsHospitals & Health Networks, May 26, 2011
Disruptive personnel are more than just a nuisance to their coworkers. Employees who ignore guidelines or are disrespectful to staff and patients can be dangerous, increasing the risk of medical errors and malpractice claims. Coworkers can help enforce codes of conduct, but it takes leadership at all levels to promote a culture of respect. More…
Is it something in the water?
On May 26, 2011 | CommentsBlogspot-Paul Levy, May 26, 2011
What’s going on in Michigan? There seems to be something about that state that prompts sustained and excellent progress in improving the quality and safety of patient care. Here are two announcements from Diane C. Pinakiewicz, President of the National Patient Safety Foundation. More…
Patients, Beware of Wrong-Side Surgeries
On Apr 28, 2011 | CommentsCNN.com, April 28, 2011
Wrong-site surgeries are a frightening and too frequent occurrence. Hospital protocols can reduce the risk, but there are things patients can do to minimize it even further and catch mistakes made by others. More…
Taking on Medical Mistakes
On Apr 25, 2011 | CommentsPhiladelphia Enquirer, April 25, 2011
The Partnership for Patients program seeks to unify the efforts of health care providers, the government and consumers in order to further the patient safety mission. More…
