Trends in Health Care 2015
The Affordable Care Act carries with it a carrot-and-stick approach to improving hospital safety. And while debate continues about the fairness and equity of the rewards and punishments, there’s no argument that hundreds of hospitals already are paying a steep price when they don’t measure up to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ quality and safety measures. MORE
OVERVIEW
Facility-related operations play bigger role in patient safety
Health facilities professionals know that creating a safe environment for patients is vastly more complicated than just implementing effective hand-hygiene programs and installing seamless epoxy flooring to prevent slips and falls. MORE
DESIGN+CONSTRUCTION
Builders, designers impact patient safety in health care facilities
Additional resources
The Center for Health Design has developed a comprehensive interactive microsite that shows how to use design strategies in a variety of health care rooms to improve patient safety.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Hospitals lay battle plan to fight aggressive pathogens
Additional resources
This downloadable infographic shows some of the risks of C. difficile and preventative measures that health facilities can take to prevent its spread.
This downloadable infographic shows how a coordinated communication plan could result in fewer infections in facilities.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructures to improve patient safety
Additional resources
This downloadable graphic shows the top 10 health technology hazards for 2016.
This downloadable chart shows which safety technologies are most likely to be installed in hospital facilities.
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
New regulations emphasize patient safety in the supply chain
Additional resources
This animated infographic from NSF shares handwashing information for the pharmaceutical industry.
This timeline from the Pew Charitable Trusts contains the dates for adoption of the various parts of the Drug Supply Chain and Security Act.
Related Articles
Support services’ role in patient satisfaction
The HCAHPS survey provides a good baseline for assessing facility best practices.
Reinventing restroom cleanliness in health care
Facilities managers must consider user perception, hygiene data, touch-free technology and environmental responsibility.
Sustainable strategies for small, rural hospitals
Despite limited resources, small facilities can still bolster decarbonization efforts by engaging in early education and leadership buy-in.