Jump to content
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    11,589

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Patient Safety Learning

Administrators

 Content Type 

Everything posted by Patient Safety Learning

  1. Content Article
    The pandemic has highlighted several longstanding, systemic issues in healthcare, and clinician burnout is chief among them. From regulatory-related constraints to inefficient EHR workflows, a day in the life of a provider looks very different than what many envisioned when deciding to pursue a career in medicine. Additionally, the rate of staff departures and early retirements has put even more pressure on overburdened care teams. No single solution can solve this complex issue.  In this Becker's Hospital Review eMagazine, experts share actionable strategies and industry trends that can help healthcare organizations support the providers. How to recognize early signs of burnout. Three ways AI can reduce providers’ administrative burdens. Using human-centered design to address burnout. How a 'platform of health' can dismantle burnout and increase collaboration. You will need to fill out the form on Becker's Hospital Review website to download the whitepaper. 
  2. Content Article
    Highlights from the South West Integrated Personalised Care Awards celebrating some of the great work in the NHS.
  3. Content Article
    How can leaders move from understanding to taking actions? Listen to the Dementia UK podcast on moral injury in nursing.
  4. News Article
    High levels of microplastics have been found in operating theatres by researchers who highlighted the “astoundingly high” amounts of single-use plastic used in modern surgical procedures. A team from the University of Hull found the amount of microplastics in a cardiothoracic operating theatre was almost three times that found in homes, and said this identifies another route through which the tiny particles can enter the human body, with unknown consequences. The study, published in the journal Environment International, is the first to examine the prevalence of microplastics in surgical environments. The team analysed levels in the operating theatre and the anaesthetic room in cardiothoracic surgeries and discovered an average of 5,000 microplastics per metre squared when the theatre was in use. Jeanette Rotchell, professor of environmental toxicology at the university, said the types of microplastic particles identified relate to common plastic wrapping materials and could also come from blister packs, surgical gowns, hairnets and drapes for patients. Prof Rotchell said: “Although we know microplastics are in the air in a variety of settings, we can’t yet say what the consequences are or whether microplastics are harmful to health. Researchers have yet to establish this. Read full story Source: The Independent, 27 January 2023
  5. News Article
    A major London trust has been criticised for ‘underplaying’ the problems caused by a ‘catastrophic’ IT outage, a new report has revealed. The Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust report also noted one patient suffered “moderate harm” and several others “low” level harm after last July’s incident, which was caused by a combination of a heatwave and ageing infrastructure. However, the trust said there was no evidence the “underplaying” of issues was deliberate. The report identified one incident of “moderate” patient harm, in which a patient was unable to receive a pancreas transplant due to staff being unable to safely monitor critical observations. The patient has since had a successful operation, the trust’s report stated. Another 20 “low” harm incidents were reported, which included delays in patients receiving their test results and/or medicines, while the report added the trust could not rule out that “further harm events may be identified” amidst an ongoing harm review. Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 27 January 2023
  6. News Article
    Medicine supply issues have soared in the past year, with the number of unavailable medicines nearly doubling from 52 in January 2022 to 97 this month, figures seen by HSJ reveal. Analysis of NHS supply alerts shared with HSJ shows a persistent monthly rise over the past year in the number of unavailable drugs. It also reveals that 12 “serious shortage protocols” – a more serious level of alert which allow pharmacists to dispense alternatives more easily – have been issued this month, compared to three in January last year. This is based on an analysis by the British Generics Manufacturers Association of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) medicines supply tool data. SPS data, seen by HSJ, shows several “high impact” shortages, which means they have the potential to change clinical practice or have safety implications. Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 26 January 2023
  7. News Article
    Concerns raised about dangerous discrepancies at a Covid testing lab which has since been blamed for causing an estimated 23 deaths were ignored by health officials for months. Documents show Public Health Wales flagged "significant concerns" about results from Immensa, in Wolverhampton, in letters to colleagues in England. They were told nothing was wrong and testing continued for six months. Letters were released after a Freedom of Information request by the Times. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said as many as 39,000 positive results were wrongly reported as negative in September and October 2021, mostly originating from south-west England. Read full story Source: BBC News, 26 January 2023
  8. News Article
    Experienced emergency department nurses are “leaving in droves” because they feel unable to do their jobs properly under the current conditions, a doctor has warned. Giving evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee yesterday, Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, raised concern about nurse retention and morale in emergency departments. “We are haemorrhaging experienced emergency nurses because they are finding it very frustrating" He said: “What I'm also seeing is that a lot of nurses, particularly the experienced nurses, they're almost like the [non-commissioned officers] of the health service, the sergeants who know how to get things done, are leaving in droves.” Dr Boyle added: “We are haemorrhaging experienced emergency nurses because they are finding it very frustrating. “The problem is not because there's too much work but they're unable to do the work that they're trained to do." Read full story Source: Nursing Times, 25 January 2023
  9. Content Article
    Lifelong and persistent sensory sensitivities are a diagnostic characteristic of autism. As public transport, waiting areas and other clinical settings are more likely to be inaccessible to autistic people, they may reach crisis before receiving healthcare. Inpatient settings without adaptations for autistic people’s sensory needs may risk autistic people being distracted or overwhelmed during therapy and/or excluded and segregated from the ward environment. Environments that are not ‘autism friendly’ can: impede the effectiveness, or hamper the delivery of, therapeutic intervention exacerbate poor mental health lead to the use of restrictive practices such as restraint, seclusion or segregation. NHS England provides this resource pack to improve the sensory environment throughout healthcare.
  10. Content Article
    The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) ‘Wales' Emergency Medicine Workforce Census 2023’ is an in-depth analysis of the state of the Emergency Medicine workforce, providing an insight into the working patterns of clinicians and allowing a forecast to be made around the future workforce needs of Emergency Departments in Wales.
  11. Gallery Image
    Fentanyl and naloxone.jpg
    Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and naloxone, a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids, both in very similar bottles and packaging. Shared originally on Twitter by @sassistheword
  12. Event
    This one day masterclass will focus on how to use Behavioural Insights and Nudge Theory to look at patient safety and safety culture. Nudge-type interventions have the potential for changing behaviours. It will look at examples of Nudge Theory use in healthcare and external organisations and how we can use these to improve patient safety and also to reduce inefficiency and waste. It will look at the type of interventions suitable for nudges and how to develop them. Key learning objectives: Behavioural Insights. Nudge Theory. Use of nudge theory to improve patient safety. Developing nudges. Opportunities for Nudge-type interventions. For further information and to book your place visit ttps://www.healthcareconferencesuk.co.uk/conferences-masterclasses/improve-patient-safety-safety-culture or email aman@hc-uk.org.uk. hub members receive a 20% discount. Email info@pslhub.org for discount code.
  13. Event
    until
    Event overview: Attend the first Paediatric Patient Safety & Human Factors Conference hosted by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Taking a patient-centred approach, this event will bring together experts to consider the challenges of patient safety in paediatrics. It will explore human behaviours that influence safety in healthcare as well as ways to improve safety for children and young people. It will also discuss ways to support patients, families and colleagues when things go wrong and how we can learn from these events. This event is open to all paediatric healthcare professionals including medical, nursing, AHP, administrative and support staff. Event objectives: To share knowledge and develop a better understanding of the impact of compassion on patient safety in paediatrics. To discuss the challenges in patient safety, ways to support families and colleagues when challenges persist and how to learn from events to reduce the likelihood of harm. To explore innovations in paediatric patient safety and share this knowledge. To foster and expand paediatric patient safety networks, to collectively improve care for children and their families. Register
  14. Content Article
    You can now watch the recording of the Nuffield Trust event: 'Does the rush for new types NHS staff have a dark side?'
  15. News Article
    Charging for GP appointments will worsen patient safety and drive more people to A&E, the head of a national safety watchdog has warned. Dr Rosie Benneyworth, the chief investigator for the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB), was responding to a suggestion by former health secretary Sajid Javid who said the present model of the NHS was “unsustainable”. He said “extending the contributory principle” should be part of radical reforms to tackle growing waiting times. But Dr Benneyworth said it would only drive more people to seek help from already overstretched services. She said: “I don’t want to be drawn into the politics around this but I believe in free at the point of delivery NHS and my concern would be [if] we charge people that people would not come forward early for their care and that would leave people needing more urgent and emergency care, because of delayed presentations.” Dr Benneyworth said there needed to be a bigger focus on patient safety in services outside of A&E, such as NHS 111 and out-of-hours services. Read full story Source: The Independent, 26 January 2023
  16. News Article
    An NHS surgeon has admitted to botching patients’ surgeries which left them with life-changing injuries, a tribunal has heard. Dr Camillo Valero, who works at Norfolk and Norwich NHS trust and is facing allegations over his conduct towards three patients, has been admitted to severing a patient’s gallbladder during an operation. Dr Valero is facing a medical practitioner’s tribunal where he already admitted to failures during two patients’ procedures. Allegations against him include a failure to obtain a “critical view of safety” for his patients during surgeries. He is also accused of shouting at patients during an altercation in an allegedly “aggressive” manner. According to a tribunal document he was accused of asking the patient “are you a doctor?” when discussing his medication. During surgery, Dr Valero is alleged to have misinterpreted the patient’s anatomy or sought assistance from an experienced surgeon following mistakes. In the case of the third patient, allegations which have not been admitted or proven, Dr Valero is reported to have inappropriately discharged a patient with learning disabilities and did not adequately assess their mental capacity. Read full story Source: The Independent, 25 January 2023
  17. News Article
    Two-thirds of GPs feel ‘advice and guidance’ is preventing patients who really need a referral to secondary care from getting one, according to the findings of a snapshot survey of Pulse readers. Advice and guidance (A&G) services, which involve GPs accessing specialist advice before making a referral, have become a major part of NHS England’s plans for clearing the pandemic backlog. But of the 366 GP survey respondents in England who said they had used advice and guidance, 68% said they felt the pathway is blocking necessary referrals. The survey also found that of those 366 GPs who had used A&G services: Around half (49%) said A&G was reducing referrals; More than three-quarters (78%) said it was increasing their workload; Just over half (60%) said it was requiring them to work beyond their competence; Two-thirds (68%) said A&G was resulting in patients complaining because their wish to see a consultant had been diverted. One GP who wished to remain anonymous commented: "An increasing number of referrals are being rejected for secondary care service pressure reasons rather than clinical need. [This] often duplicates GP admin work as we need to re-refer, rewriting the referral and/or enclosing further information or tests results in order to get a referral accepted." Read full story Source: Pulse, 25 January 2023 Further reading on the hub: Rejected outpatient referrals are putting patients at risk and increasing workload pressure on GPs Patient referrals and waiting lists: A ticking time bomb A child left waiting for ‘urgent’ surgery, a blog by Clare Rayner
  18. News Article
    Physicians' happiness fell amid the pandemic and is not rebounding easily, according to Medscape's 2023 Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report. The report is based on survey responses from 9,175 U.S.-based physicians in 29 specialties polled last year between 28 June and 3 October. The report found: 1. 59% of physicians said they were "somewhat" or "very happy," down from 84% before the pandemic. These figures mirror percentages seen in Medscape's same report conducted last year. 2. The percentage of physicians who are happy at work, specifically, fell from 75% before the pandemic to 48% today. 3. Four in 10 physicians said they regularly look after their own health and wellness, up from 33% who said the same in Medscape's 2022 report. 4. 53% said they would take a pay decrease in return for better work-life balance. Read full story Source: Becker's Hospital Review, 20 January 2023
  19. News Article
    The UK is facing a “crisis point” in abortion provision, experts say, with rising demand and restricted access to care in many areas putting unprecedented pressure on struggling NHS services. Healthcare professionals described a “terrifying” state of affairs in which women are travelling hundreds of miles for appointments or waiting several weeks before they are seen. Dr Jonathan Lord, the director of MSI Reproductive Choices UK, a major provider of abortion services, told the Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast: “There is no doubt we are seeing absolutely unprecedented levels of demand at the moment. All providers are reporting they are busier than they have ever been.” Lord, who is also an NHS consultant gynaecologist, said the rise was being driven by “the economic downturn, the cost of living crisis and the ability to access good quality contraception” via GPs and sexual health services, which have been affected by the wider NHS crisis. Clare Murphy, the chief executive at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), previously said: “The pandemic, and the policies adopted by the government, have had a clear impact on women’s pregnancy choices.” Faced with “economic uncertainty and job insecurity”, women had been forced to make tough decisions, she said. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 26 January 2023
  20. News Article
    Hospitals are ‘horrible’ and unsafe places, which should be avoided ‘unless you really need to be there’, a longstanding trust chief executive has argued. East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust boss Nick Hulme also said the NHS had to be honest about the state of its acute services. Speaking at a public meeting of the East Suffolk and North Essex Integrated Care Board, he described hospitals as “awful” and “horrible”, and said NHS leaders had “got to get that message out” to the public. He added: “The food’s rubbish, we don’t let you sleep, we don’t let you know what’s going on” and that although he had stayed in some “fairly dodgy” hotels, none had forced him to share a bathroom with six people. The trust CEO told the meeting he wanted to emphasise to the public that “the worst place you can possibly be in the health system is a hospital, unless you need to be there”, according to a report in the East Anglian Daily Times. He added that hospitals were “not safe places”. Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 26 January 2023
  21. News Article
    Record numbers of patients suffered severe harm last month because they spent so long in the back of ambulances waiting to get into A&E, new NHS figures reveal. An estimated 57,000 people in England “experienced potential harm”, of whom 6,000 were exposed to “severe harm”, in December – both the largest numbers on record – because they had to wait at least an hour to be handed over to hospital staff, according to NHS ambulance service bosses. The health union Unison, which represents many ambulance staff, said the data showed that the ambulance service “is barely coping” with the huge number of calls it is receiving. A senior ambulance service official said the high volume of patients being put at risk because they had to wait outside A&E so long before receiving medical attention, and paramedics being prevented from answering other 999 calls, was “horrific” and “astronomical”. He added: “These figures also show that whatever NHS England say they are doing to try to resolve this huge problem, it clearly isn’t working.” Martin Flaherty, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) managing director, said: “Our December 2022 data for handover delays at hospital emergency departments shows some of the worst figures we have recorded to date and clearly underlines that not enough is being done to reduce and eradicate these dangerous, unsafe and harmful occurrences.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 25 January 2023
  22. News Article
    NHS 111 sends too many people to accident and emergency departments because its computer algorithm is “too risk averse”, the country’s top emergency doctor has warned. Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), said that December was the “worst ever” in A&E with 9 in 10 emergency care leaders reporting to the RCEM that patients were waiting more than 24 hours in their departments. Asked what measures could help improve pressures in emergency care, Dr Boyle said more clinical input was needed in NHS 111 calls. “In terms of how we manage people who could be looked after elsewhere, the key thing to do is to improve NHS 111,” Dr Boyle told MPs. “There is a lack of clinical validation and a lack of clinical access within NHS 111 - 50 per cent of calls have some form of clinical input, there’s an awful lot which are just people following an algorithm.” Dr Boyle added where clinical input is lacking “it necessarily becomes risk averse and sends too many people to their GP, ambulance or emergency department”. Read full story (paywalled) Source: The Telegraph, 24 January 2023
  23. News Article
    Women’s healthcare in the UK is worse than that of China and Saudi Arabia, according to a global tracker. Poor efforts at prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health problems left the UK ranked lower than several countries with a troubling record on women’s rights. The research, which compared a wealth of data, found Britain fared worse than most comparable Western countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany. The UK was placed 30th out of 122 countries, in the 2021 Hologic Global Women’s Health Index published on Tuesday. The score – three points lower than when a similar exercise was carried out last year – places it on a par with Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Kosovo and Poland for women’s healthcare provision. Read full story Source: The Telegraph, 24 January 2023
  24. Content Article
    This episode discusses the role NICE plays in patient safety. The guests are: Professor Kevin Harris, senior responsible office for patient safety at NICE, and clinical advisor to the Interventional Procedures Programme and Professor Jane Blazeby, Professor of Surgery at University of Bristol.
  25. News Article
    Devon care homes say they are being asked to accept patients with Covid-19, flu and other infectious diseases to ease the pressure on local hospitals. One owner said it felt like the start of the pandemic again, as the safety of care homes was being "compromised". Devon has some of the longest waits for emergency care in the country, according to NHS figures. Simon Spiller, owner of The Croft Residential Care Home in Newton Abbot, said since the start of winter the home was being asked to shortcut its assessment process to help ease the blockages in Devon's hospitals. He said other local care homes have told him they were facing the same pressure. Mr Spiller said: "We're being encouraged, or really asked, to shortcut our assessment process. Normally, one of our team would go to the hospital to assess people, to really understand their care needs, to ensure they're an appropriate fit for our care home, which specialises in dementia. "Increasingly, because of the speed they're trying to achieve a discharge, we're being asked to accept people at kind of face value, as presented by the NHS." Read full story Source: BBC News, 26 January 2023
×
×
  • Create New...