Medical errors can be devastating. For patients and their families, an error can be a life-altering or even fatal event. But for physicians and other healthcare professionals, a medical error can have different types of consequences.
Good documentation has always been recognized as a way to reduce malpractice exposure. For years, healthcare professionals have heard that “if it is not documented, it was not done.” Clear documentation reduces liability exposure in a number of ways. Good communication can prevent medical errors...
The University of California, Davis is offering a free online continuing education course to help clinicians and other healthcare providers prevent firearm injury. Training is provided by the BulletPoints Project at UC Davis, a program that teaches clinicians how to discuss the risks of firearm...
Years ago, the only choice medical staffs and hospitals had when selecting performance measures was to create their own indicators. Today, many national indicators are available to hospitals, including measurements required by The Joint Commission and CMS. However, even with the availability of...
Transparency involves open and honest communication in an effort to be accountable. In healthcare, transparency can strengthen patients’ trust in their care providers. Additionally, being transparent when medical errors occur can ultimately contribute to overall care quality and safety.
Performance indicators, also known as performance measures, are predefined competency areas in which a practitioner’s performance is evaluated. Traditionally, this evaluation has focused on clinical proficiency. Increasingly, however, organizations are expected to take a more holistic view of...