New Zealand is moving into the next stage of the roll-out of electronic medicine reconciliation (eMR) and electronic prescribing and administration (ePA). The roll-out is occuring in three phases, and it is anticipated that all health services will be using the systems by the end of 2014, with evaluation to occur in 2015.
To assist with the planning and implementation of the eMR and ePA, a 'Go for Gold' campaign has been launched to determine each health services' readiness. For further information on this and other medication management news in New Zealand, see the latest issue of National Medication Management Safety Update available at the following link: http://www.hqsc.govt.nz/assets/Medication-Safety/Medication-Safety-Programme-Update-final.pdf
The Economics of Patient Safety in Acute Care report will soon be released and it is anticipated that it will provide analysis of the costs associated with adverse events such as hospital acquired infections and falls. Further informtion on the report can be found at www.patientsfetyinstitute.ca and a link to the report will be provided by AAQHC when it is released.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) have just released some interesting data in relation to the incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Australia. The article provides some background on the disease as well as data which includes information on the death rate, burden of disease and expenditure. To access the data go to http://www.aihw.gov.au/copd/
Christchurch Hospital has achieved 100 days without a central line associated bacteraemia as part of its CLABZero Project. The aim of this project is to reduce the rate of infections resulting from the use of central lines, and involves collaboration with the Health Quality and Safety Commission. To view the media release from Caterbury District Health Board, go to http://www.cdhb.govt.nz/communications/media/2012/120405.htm
Submissions received by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare regarding the draft Practice Level Indicators are now available to view on their website - http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/information-strategy/indicators/practice-level-indicators-of-safety-and-quality-for-primary-health-care/practice-level-indicators-of-safety-and-quality-for-primary-health-care-consultation-written-submissions/
The Innovations Exchange website has an interesting piece on the Administrative Director of the Mayo Clinic Centre for Innovation (CFI), Barbara Spurrier. The CFI takes a patient centred approach to the delivery of health care and in this interview, Barbara describes some of their innovative programs. View the interview at: http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/content.aspx?id=3412&utm_source=issueanc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20120411
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has identified improving health literacy as a key action for consumer centred care in the Australian Safety and Quality Framework for Health Care. Increasing health literacy is a critical requirement for active and meaningful partnerships between patients, consumers, families, carers, healthcare providers and organisations.
There are many strategies for improving health literacy, however quite often these strategies focus on areas of change outside a healthcare organisations’ control, such as improving the general literacy of consumers. However, recent research has shown that strategies which focus on reducing the barriers to health literacy by changing the environment and the way information is presented can also be effective in improving health literacy.
In an effort to better understand existing initiatives and develop a consolidated picture of health literacy within Australia, the ACSQHC is undertaking a Health Literacy Stocktake. The ACSQHC is calling for information on health literacy projects, programs, research and initiatives at local, state or national level which focus on reducing barriers to health literacy. If you would like to learn more or provide a submission, please click on the following link: http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/internet/safety/publishing.nsf/Content/Health-Literacy-Stocktake
The NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has developed an app which contains guidelines for a large range of conditions and diseases, as well as public health information. Although aimed at the UK NHS, the app is freely available and has a vast amount of information for any health care workers. Where guidelines have been updated, a link to the relevant website is provided. Search for the app by entering NICE guidance.
Are you a leader in the safety & quality arena who would like to be formally recognised for your contributions? Join the increasing number of Associate Fellows and Fellows who have been recognised for this much sought after award. Applications are now open. Follow the credentialing tab for further details.
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) are currently reviewing the approved accreditation standards for medical schools. A working group has been formed to conduct the review, with the draft revised standards expected to be released for formal stakeholder consultation later in 2012 and the final revised standards due to be released in 2013.
The current standards can be accessed at http://www.amc.org.au/images/Medschool/standards.pdf
For further information on the review, contact accreditationreview@amc.org.au
Authors are invited to submit Abstracts for Poster, Oral and Workshop presentations on original work for the 10th Australasian Conference on Safety and Quality in Health Care which is to be held at the Cairns Convention Centre, 3-5 September 2012.
Facebook is a social networking website that allows people to stay in touch, join networks and connect with organisations online.
Click here for instructions on how to get started?
All AAQHC status updates will then appear in your news feeds, and your Facebook profile page will also indicate that you like the AAQHC page.
You can now post a relevant status update in the area saying 'What's on your mind?' You can also post pictures, website links and videos by clicking on the icons underneath.
If you enjoy one of the posts you can click the 'like' icon underneath. This will show up in your own profile and other people will see that you liked that post in their news feeds. You can also add a comment to your friend's post and the same thing applies.
You can also chat to people whom you may not know personally but are fellow members of the group.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in the US has an interesting site on ‘Talking Quality’. Have a look at the podcasts on reporting quality to the community and the use of social media – www.talkingquality.ahrq.gov