Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – November 1, 2005
November 1, 2005
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Larger role in disaster planning seen for quality managers
When a disaster occurs, otherwise routine health care delivery can be complicated in a number of unexpected ways and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it seems, were on a different level than disasters that had occurred in the past. -
A new compliance reality when disaster strikes
Quality managers involved in disaster planning and response should not be overly concerned with following the letter of compliance law if a disaster occurs, says Joe Cappiello, BSN, MA, vice president of accreditation field operations, for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). -
To evacuate or not to evacuate?
Whether to evacuate patients prior to the arrival of a storm such as the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes often is not a cut-and-dried decision, says Robert Wise, MD, Vice President, Division of Standards and Survey Methods for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). -
In disaster planning, imagination is critical
As Joe Cappiello, BSN, MA, vice president of accreditation field operations for the Joint Commission, indicated in this months cover story, the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans was really a perfect storm of four separate disasters. -
JCAHO makes changes to disaster plan review
If your hospital has 200 beds or more, your emergency management committee members should be aware of a new change in the way the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) will review disaster plans. -
ICU patients at risk for preventable errors
Patients face a significant risk for preventable adverse events and serious medical errors in hospital critical care units, according to a study sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). -
Program improves care, hospital collaborations
A nationwide hospital program developed to support families visiting loved ones in the intensive care unit (ICU) has shown significant benefits for families, patients, and team members in the ICU, according to a new study. -
Flu shots not needed for health care workers?
Two national health care organizations have come out with competing positions on whether mandatory influenza vaccination for health care workers is justified. -
Back injury charges double in decade
The average hospital charge for Americans treated for disc disorders and other back problems nearly doubled between 1993 and 2003 from $13,200 to $25,300 according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The statistics are adjusted for inflation and do not include physicians fees. -
Hospitals reduce mercury, overall waste
More than nine in 10 hospitals polled recognize the hazards associated with mercury use and have taken steps to reduce or eliminate mercury-containing devices, according to a survey released by the Chicago-based American Hospital Association and Washington, DC-based Hospitals for a Healthy Environment.