Patient safety has always been at the forefront of the healthcare industry. Unfortunately, multiple studies have found that 10%–12% of hospitalized patients experience adverse events while admitted, with approximately half of these events considered preventable.
Patient safety in healthcare is managed through the prevention, reduction, reporting, and analysis of medical error that often leads to adverse effects. Safety precaution and prevention is much more than ensuring a surgical procedure is successful. The focus on safety also includes quality communication and shared decision- making between the patient and caregiver. An intentional focus on patient safety has a direct correlation with improved patient satisfaction and operating performance of healthcare systems.
International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG) has addressed areas of concern that caregivers should prioritize:
Goal 1: Identify patients correctlyGoal 2: Improve effective communicationGoal 3: Improve the safety of high-alert medicationsGoal 4: Ensure safe surgeryGoal 5: Reduce the risk of health care-associated infectionsGoal 6: Reduce the risk of patient harm resulting from falls
Each of these goals may seem somewhat basic; yet, it is beneficial to reinforce these key tenets with caregivers to ensure these goals are a priority for each patient while in the hospital, and equally after they are discharged. Many organizations have worked to optimize performance and enhance patient care while in the hospital, but there remains many opportunities for improvement, especially for those components of care that begin when the patient is discharged from the hospital.
At PREMEDEX, a patient’s safety and well-being as at the forefront of our efforts. Our trained professionals connect with discharged patients during scheduled phone calls, and also capture and disseminate timely information to the patient’s healthcare providers using our innovative technology. Our programs are producing positive results for numerous hospital clients across the United States, where some programs are experiencing TWICE the levels of patient satisfaction as compared to other populations without such a program.
PREMEDEX can help. Contact us today so we can learn about your specific needs and how we can help you continue to improve your focus on patient safety and proactive communications.