Actionable Patient Safety Solutions (APSS) #3A: Medication Errors

A medication error is a preventable event in any healthcare setting that may lead to inappropriate medication use while in the control of the healthcare professional or patient, ultimately leading to patient harm and/or death. Medication errors can be classified into five categories: 1) wrong drug, 2) wrong dose, 3) wrong route, 4) wrong frequency and/or 5) wrong patient

2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease

The recommendations listed in this document are, whenever possible, evidence based. An extensive evidence review was conducted as the document was compiled through December 2008. Repeated literature searches were performed by the guideline development staff and writing committee members as new issues were considered. New clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals and articles through December 2011 were also reviewed and incorporated when relevant. Furthermore, because of the extended development time period for this guideline, peer review comments indicated that the sections focused on imaging technologies required additional updating, which occurred during 2011. Therefore, the evidence review for the imaging sections includes published literature through December 2011

A Project Examining Strategies to Maximize Profitability Through Customer Loyalty

Customer retention is a significant problem throughout the business environment and is examined in relation to the medical device industry, specifically Medtronic Neurologic, Inc. Millions of dollars are spent annually to develop and maintain loyal customers. Corporate Financial Officers in the retail and direct sales industry must be committed to maximizing the time and money spent by their field representatives, while at the same time minimizing those efforts for customers that are non-value adding. Profit margins are critical in an industry that is barraged with regulations, safety requirements and strict reimbursement guidelines. The perspective of the supplier and consumer at Medtronic Neurologic Inc. are explored to determine whether the professional, reliable and consistent delivery of goods and services is categorically the key to building customer loyalty. A Field Staff Survey was conducted to gain an understanding of actual retention activites or lack thereof that are currently utilized. There is evidence that there can be a dramatic economic benefit on both sides of the equation from building customer loyalty. Across the board, managers must recognize the value of retaining customers by providing services that not only offer the highest level of value and satisfaction but also create lasting relationships. Finally, the author draws conclusions about the dramatic change in the industry and recommends three innovative strategies to improve loyalty for Medtronic Neurologic to maximize profitability and reduce current levels of customer attrition