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ChrisHartman: Evamist (estradiol transdermal spray): Drug Safety Communication - Unintended Exposure of Children and Pets to .. http://bit.ly/994GuR

Reports of adverse effects in children who may have been unintentionally exposed to the drug through skin contact with women using this product.

ChrisHartman: Cubicin (daptomycin): Drug Safety Communication - Risk of Eosinophilic Pneumonia http://bit.ly/ceoSHe

Cases of serious, potentially fatal pneumonia associated with the IV antibacterial drug Cubicin.

ChrisHartman: Joint Commission Urges Americans to ‘Speak Up’ to Prevent Falls http://bit.ly/ajWrNF

Media Contact:Elizabeth Eaken ZhaniMedia Relations Manager630.792.5914ezhani@jointcommission.org View the multi-media release. (OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. – July 28, 2010) Each year, millions of people—from elderly nursing home residents to hospitalized children to women who have just given birth—are ...

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between sample size and cost using a benefit to cost ratio in the context of hospital accountability measures. We argue that the decision to use larger samples should include an assessment of the marginal benefit in terms of the cost to obtain the samples. Our main conclusion is that without recognizing and balancing the cost of different sampling schemes and developing reasonable cost limits we lose an opportunity at efficiency.

Abstract: Delays, omissions, and inaccuracy of discharge information are common at hospital discharge and put patients at risk for adverse outcomes. We assembled an interdisciplinary team of stakeholders to evaluate our current discharge process between hospitalists and primary care providers (PCPs). We used a fishbone diagram to identify potential causes of suboptimal discharge communication to PCPs. Opportunities for improvement (leverage points) to achieve optimal transfer of discharge information were identified using tally sheets and Pareto charts. Quality improvement strategies consisted of training and implementation of a new discharge process including: (1) enhanced PCP identification at discharge, (2) use of an electronic discharge order and instruction system, and (3) autofaxing discharge information to PCPs. The new discharge process's impact was evaluated on 2,530 hospitalist patient discharges over a 34-week period by measuring: (1) successful transfer of discharge information (proportion of discharge information sheets successfully faxed to PCPs), (2) timeliness (proportion of sheets faxed within 2 days of discharge), and (3) content (presence of key clinical elements in discharge sheets). Postintervention, success, and timeliness of discharge information transfer between pediatric hospitalists and PCPs significantly improved while content remained high.

Abstract: The inpatient medication delivery system used at a large regional acute care hospital in the Midwest had become antiquated and inefficient. The existing 24-hr medication cart-fill exchange process with delivery to the patients' bedside did not always provide ordered medications to the nursing units when they were needed. In 2007 the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS) were applied to the system. Project objectives were to improve medication safety and reduce the time needed for nurses to retrieve patient medications. A multidisciplinary team was formed that included representatives from nursing, pharmacy, informatics, quality, and various operational support departments. Team members were educated and trained in the tools and techniques of TPS, and then designed and implemented a new pull system benchmarking the TPS Ideal State model. The newly installed process, providing just-in-time medication availability, has measurably improved delivery processes as well as patient safety and satisfaction. Other positive outcomes have included improved nursing satisfaction, reduced nursing wait time for delivered medications, and improved efficiency in the pharmacy. After a successful pilot on two nursing units, the system is being extended to the rest of the hospital.

ChrisHartman: Improving Access and Efficiency in the Office Practice, November 2010 http://bit.ly/cx9u8q

ChrisHartman: Joyful Slim Herb Supplement : Recall-Undeclared Drug Ingredient http://bit.ly/cdFI1y

Recall due to balloon inflation assembly that may not hold air

Product contains sibutramine; may increase blood pressure/pulse rate with risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke.

ChrisHartman: Survey: Central Line Infections Still a Big Problem: Survey: Central Line Infections Still a Big Problem Kather.. http://bit.ly/bco2mc

This two-day interactive seminar will enable organizations to initiate changes leading to substantial improvements in access, patient and provider satisfaction, quality of clinical care, as well as increased revenue.

ChrisHartman: Expedition: Reducing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections August 2010 http://bit.ly/cF7TGM

ChrisHartman: CONSTELLATION Vision System: Recall http://bit.ly/dxUXCa

Software and hardware problems associated with unexpected system loss of power, unintended system error messages, unresponsive touchscreens, and system setting and infusion performance problems.

This program is one way that IHI is helping hospitals implement a key component of the Improvement Map. The aim of this Expedition is to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections by reducing unnecessary catheter days.

This program is one way that IHI is helping hospitals implement a key component of the Improvement Map. The aim of this Expedition is to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections by reducing unnecessary catheter days.