SPECIMEN LABELING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: SLIP

Blood specimens are labeled at the time of acquisition in order to identify and match the specimen, label, and order to the patient. While the labeling process is not new, it is frequently laden with errors (Brown, Smith, & Sherfy, 2011). Wrong blood in tube (WBIT) poses significant risk. Multiple factors contribute to mislabeling errors, including lax policies, limited technological solutions, decentralized labeling processes, multi-tasking, distraction from the clinician, and insufficient education and training of staff. To reduce blood specimen labeling errors, a large academic medical center implemented an innovative technological solution for specimen labeling that integrates patient identification, physician order, and laboratory specimen identification through barcode technology that interfaces with the electronic medical record at the point of care. A failure mode, effects and critical analysis (FMECA) were completed to assess for system failure points, and to design workflow prior to training staff. Four failure points were identified and eliminated through workflow adjustments with the new system. Staff training utilizing simulation highlighted system safety points. This quality improvement process applied across adult and pediatric acute and critical care units provided dramatic reductions in blood specimen labeling errors pre/post intervention

ARCH 14 - International Conference on Research on Health Care Architecture - November 19-21, 2014, Espoo, Finland - Conference Proceedings

Healthcare Architecture has grown rapidly in recent years. However, there are still many questions remaining. The commission, therefore, is to share the existing research knowledge and latest results and to carry out research projects focusing more specifically on the health care situation in a variety of contexts. The ARCH14 conference was the third conference in the series of ARCH conferences on Research on Health Care Architecture initiated by Chalmers University. It was realized in collaboration with the Nordic Research Network for Healthcare Architecture .It was a joint event between Aalto University, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and National Institute of Health and Welfare (THL International).The conference gathered together more than 70 researchers and practitioners from across disciplines and countries to discuss the current themes

Effective Strategies for Recognition and Treatment of In-Hospital Strokes

In-hospital onset strokes represent 4% to 20% of all reported strokes in the United States. The variability of treatment protocols and workflows as well as the complex etiology and multiple comorbidities of the in-hospital stroke subpopulation often result in unfavorable outcomes and higher mortality rates compared to those who experience strokes outside of the hospital setting. The purpose of this project was to conduct a systematic review to identify and summarize effective strategies and practices for prompt recognition and treatment of in-hospital strokes. The results of the literature review with leading-edge guidelines for stroke care were corelated to formulate recommendations at an organizational level for improving care delivery and workflow. Peer-reviewed publications and literature not controlled by publishers were analyzed. An appraisal of 24 articles was conducted, using the guide for classification of level of evidence by Fineout-Overholt, Melnyk, Stillwell, and Williamson. The results of this systematic review revealed that the most effective strategies and practices for prompt recognition and treatment of in-hospital strokes included: staff education, creating a dedicated responder team, analysis and improvement of internal processes to shorten the time from discovery to diagnosis, and offering appropriate evidence-based treatments according to acute stroke guidelines. Creating organizational protocols and quality metrics to promote timely and evidence-based care for in-hospital strokes may result in a positive social change by eliminating the existing care disparities between community and in-hospital strokes and improving the health outcomes of this subpopulation of strokes

A Formal Wound Care Plan for Homelessness Populations

The purpose of this project was to develop a formal care management program for homeless patients during transition into the rehabilitation setting. This DNP scholarly project worked with one specific rehabilitation center, which is most open to the care of homeless individuals needing wound care, on the creation of a postdischarge service. An interprofessional team worked together to create a plan for the creation, implementation, and evaluation of this innovative service based on the protocols derived from the CDC to facilitate a framework and practice for those suffering from open, chronic, and worsening wounds in an effort to prevent further complications. To execute this, the modified Delphi method was utilized. The data collection consisted of three sets of survey questions that were grouped and categorized into themes. These themes detailed the focus areas for the formal wound care plan that included knowledge-level, skill-level, timeframe, and patient care. Collectively these themes gave validity to ensuring the health and wellbeing of this vulnerable population. Coordinating continuum of care for reentry into the community was essential. As such, this program includes partnerships with special shelters to provide wound care and supplies as well as collaboration with a local food bank offering a meal and voucher exchange for recently discharged patients. Therefore, the desired outcome is a program plan that can be adopted into a grant application for funding. Keywords: homeless, post-discharge, rehabilitation, wounds, project design, gran

Redesigning Health Care for an Older America

With the goal of creating a new vision of health care for an older America, the International Longevity Center assembled a Health Care Task Force, a cadre of specialists in the fields of economics, social work, political science, and medicine. Its mandate is to focus on the development of an intergenerational life-span perspective of disease prevention and health maintenance, built on a strong foundation of structural reform medical care, by showing how strategies that enhance healthy aging can save money as well as improve quality of life. Midway into this ambitious four-year project, and with the hope of contributing to the national debate on health care, the Task Force established a list of guiding principles, with the belief that the longevity and healthy aging of today's older adults, the aging baby boomer generation and the generations that will follow, depend upon the health care decisions that are made today

State of Health Equity Movement, 2011 Update Part C: Compendium of Recommendations DRA Project Report No. 11-03

State of Health Equity Movement, 2011 Update Part C: Compendium of Recommendations DRA Project Report No. 11-0

Regulatory demands and risk assessment documentation for fire and explosion hazards in offshore petroleum activities connected to startup of Iceland’s Dreki Area

Master's thesis in Offshore technology : industrial asset managementSerious search has begun for oil and gas deposits within Iceland’s exclusive economic zone, more specifically in the Dreki area 335km north-east of Iceland. Icelandic authorities do not have the structure or experience to administrate and supervise offshore petroleum activities. It is however very important that these authorities are prepared if application for exploration drilling are handed in. To avoid starting at the beginning of the learning curve Icelandic authorities should look towards countries that are experienced in administrating and supervising such activities. Norwegian authorities have been quite responsive in adjusting their regulatory framework and regulatory regime to respond to recommended changes following major accidents and new challenges. Norwegian authorities base their regulatory framework on performance base regulations that are then supplemented with few specific requirements. This allows and encourages innovation and possible cost reductions. The chosen solution is however required to result the same performance or better than is required by legislation. The Norwegian management structure for offshore petroleum activities is quite simple. That is partly due to the fact that the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) takes on all matters concerning health, safety and the environment and from within collaborates and cooperates with other authorities regarding their respective area of expertise. Icelandic authorities should look towards the Norwegian approach to ensure safe extraction of oil and gas. There is noticeable movement internationally to separate the responsibilities of natural resource management and supervision of offshore petroleum activities. Icelandic authorities should implement performance based regulations and setup a simple management structure. It is suggested that the NEA holds the responsibility of awarding licenses for exploration and production. It is as well suggested that either the ICA or the AOSH take over the supervising responsibility and collaboration with other authorities as they hold considerable experience in processing and evaluating technical documents and information.Iceland Construction Authorit

Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses

Compiles peer-reviewed research and literature reviews on issues regarding patient safety and quality of care, ranging from evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and nurses' working conditions to critical opportunities and tools for improvement