A new framework developed by Boston-based researchers categorizes patient-reported problems in a way that can be used by health care providers and organizations to better understand errors in diagnoses that are unique to the ambulatory setting, where the majority of missed or delayed diagnoses occur. Recognizing that patients and family caregivers have a unique perspective […]
Editor’s note: This post first appeared in Patient Safety Beat, the digital newsletter of the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety. The pandemic has complicated efforts to eliminate prolonged stays in the emergency department (ED), especially for children and adolescents in need of inpatient mental health care. A recent survey from the Massachusetts College of […]
In his latest post, Bill Gardner describes the shock of discovering that he now has lung cancer, in addition to throat cancer that was diagnosed in July 2020. Gardner has been blogging about the experience of being a cancer patient in 2020, juggling concerns about COVID-19 together with worries and challenges more typical for someone […]
Editor’s Note: In late 2020, the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety asked four healthcare leaders how the pandemic had affected their organization’s approach to an overarching issue in patient safety. Patricia McGaffigan, vice president of safety programs at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston, Massachusetts, was asked to reflect on how the pandemic had […]
Editor’s note: This article was first published in Patient Safety Beat, newsletter of the Betsy Lehman Center. New, more comprehensive research confirms earlier findings that patients who access clinical notes of ambulatory care visits – “open notes” – often spot errors in their electronic health records. And there are indications from additional research that people […]
Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) – observed next week, March 10-16 – recognizes ongoing efforts to improve the safety of healthcare. It is a time both to acknowledge contributions from all quarters in the way of projects, research, education and support and to inspire everyone to become more involved. Started by the National Patient Safety […]
A few years back, I injured my right leg and had to go urgently to an emergency room in a busy suburban hospital not far from my home. As both a physician and engaged patient, I observed numerous patient safety lapses during my care, none of which, fortunately, resulted in harm. Although I was distressed […]
For those of us who specialize in patient safety, the field is very much about the science of improvement, measuring performance, testing initiatives, and keeping on top of the latest research. Patient engagement is critical to our efforts, because the voice of experience adds valuable insight and direction to health professionals and leaders seeking to […]
Readers of this blog likely know that for the past several years, the National Patient Safety Foundation’s Lucian Leape Institute has partnered with EngagingPatients.org in presenting the John Q. Sherman Awards for Excellence in Patient Engagement. The purpose of the award is to recognize organizations and individuals who excel at patient engagement efforts and to […]