2012 Patient Safety Goals

Core Competency Pre-Test Reading Material

Identify patient/residents correctly

Use at least two ways to identify patient/residents. For example, use the patient/residents name and date of birth. This is done to make sure that each patient/resident gets the medicine and treatment meant for them. Make sure that the correct patient/resident gets the correct blood type when they get a blood transfusion.

Improve staff communication

Quickly get important test results to the right staff person. When taking orders from a physician you must read back and verify orders received and document as such Shift report must be given to oncoming care givers and after procedures

Use medicines safely

Label all medicines that are not already labeled. For example, medicines in syringes, cups and basins. Take extra care with patient/residents who take medicines to thin their blood. Blood thinners such as Coumadin, Lovenox and Heparin have many drug and food interactions. Record and pass along correct information about patient/residents medications.

Prevent infection
Hand washing is the most important step in preventing infection. Indications for hand washing

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When hands are visibly dirty or visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids, wash hands with either a soap and water If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand rub for routinely decontaminating hands Wash hands before having direct contact with patients Wash hands before donning gloves for all procedures Wash hands after contact with a patient Wash hands after contact with inanimate objects (including medical equipment) in the immediate vicinity of the patient Wash hands after removing gloves Before eating and after using a restroom, wash hands soap and water Wash hands with soap and water if exposed to C-Diff

Use proven guidelines to prevent infections that are difficult to treat. Treatment of Multi Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) may require one or more antibiotics. VRE and MRSA are two of most prevalent MDROs. Ensure cultures and sensitivities are done and patient treated accordingly. Use proven guidelines to prevent infection of the blood from central lines. Ensure cultures and sensitivities are done and patient treated accordingly. Use proven guidelines to prevent infection after surgery. Use proven guidelines to prevent infections of the urinary tract that are caused by catheters. Properly clean and disinfect all equipment between patient use to reduce chance of spreading infection.

Check patient/resident medicines

Find out what medicines each patient/resident is taking at home. Make sure that it is OK for the patient/resident to take any new medicines with their current medicines. Give a list of the patient/residents medicines to their next caregiver or to their regular doctor before the patient/resident goes home. Give a list of the patient/residents medicines to the patient/resident and their family before they go home. Explain the list. Some patient/residents may get medicine in small amounts or for a short time. Make sure that it is OK for those patient/residents to take those medicines with their current medicines.

Identify patient/resident safety risks

Find out which patient/residents are most likely to try to kill themselves. Find out if there are any risks for patient/residents who are getting oxygen. For example, fires in the patient/residents home. (Home Care)

Prevent patient/residents from falling

Find out which patient/residents are most likely to fall. For example, is the patient/resident making any medicines that might make them weak, dizzy or sleepy? Take action to prevent for these patient/residents. Hourly rounds by the staff have shown to reduce the number of falls.

Prevent bed sores (Long Term Care)

Find out which residents are most likely to have bed sores. Take action to prevent bed sores in these patient/residents. From time to time, re-check residents for bed sores.

Prevent mistakes in surgery

Make sure the correct surgery is done on the correct patient and at the correct place on the patients body. Mark the correct place on the patients body where surgery is to be done. Pause before the surgery to make sure that is a mistake is not being made.

* Obtained from Joint Commission.Com 2010 Easy to Read Patient Safety Goals