New Sentinel Event posted
Posted At : December 11, 2008 9:34 AM | Posted By : Matt Phillion
Related Categories: Sentinel Event Alert

Hello, everyone. The Joint Commission has released its latest Sentinel Event Alert, this time on errors related to the use of technology in the healthcare setting.

 

The Alert states that there is very little data documenting the frequency with which technology-related errors occur, but notes that computers and automated medication dispensing devices are frequently involved when an error occurs. The Alert also advocates using Joint Commission Information Management standards to improve the use of technology in the healthcare environment.

The Joint Commission suggests 13 steps to prevent healthcare technology errors, including training for new users and refresher courses for those who continue to use technology in the hospital, and clearly defining who is authorized and responsible for the technology. Their complete press release and additional information can be found here.

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Latest Sentinel Event Alert: Disruptive behavior
Posted At : July 9, 2008 10:21 AM | Posted By : Brian Driscoll
Related Categories: Sentinel Event Alert

From BOJ Editor Matt Phillion:

It's Matt Phillion, editor of Briefings on The Joint Commission. I just wanted to make you aware of some breaking news: The Joint Commission has issued its latest Sentinel Event Alert today addressing bad behavior by healthcare professionals.

Disruptive behavior was considered as a possible National Patient Safety Goal for 2008 but was not selected. The Joint Commission has stated in this most recent alert that rude behavior, unpleasant language, hostile attitudes and other bad behaviors does not only create an unpleasant environment but are detrimental to patient safety and quality of care.

This alert ties into new standards going into effect January 1, 2009, which will require healthcare organizations to create a code of conduct defining acceptable and unacceptable behaviors as well as crafting a process for dealing with poor behavior.

The Sentinel Event Alert provides 11 steps to curbing disruptive behavior. These range from providing education and training for healthcare providers about professional behavior and appropriate interactions with coworkers; creating accountability for maintaining appropriate behavior; establishing a zero tolerance policy for disruptive behaviors and a means for enforcing this policy; and crafting non-confrontational methods for reporting and addressing inappropriate behavior.

The Joint Commission’s Sentinel Event Alert can be found online here: http://www.jointcommission.org/SentinelEvents/SentinelEventAlert/sea_40.htm

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