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The Patient Safety Program focuses on the clinical aspects of care and treatment.
In addition, the Environment of Care program focuses on the physical environment
in which care is provided. We employ a team approach which includes all staff,
physicians and volunteers to carry out the activities of our Patient Safety Program.
Some key examples of the patient safety practices of our program are presented
below.
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Because the medication processes are potentially the area of greatest risk to patient
safety, this is a major focus for the organization. The following safety practices are
part of our medication safety program:
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Drug prescriptions written by physicians are reviewed by a Pharmacist before
being dispensed.
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Drug orders are screened for duplications, appropriate dosing, drug interactions
and allergies.
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The majority of drug orders are entered into the computer by a Pharmacist.
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High risk and problem prone drugs are further screened with a double check by a
second Pharmacist.
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Nurses verify drugs before administration and a second RN checks high risk
drugs.
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Separate storage and different labels have been implemented for look-alike and
sound-alike drugs.
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Special labels are placed on high risk drugs.
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Clinical Pharmacists review individual drug history of patients on multiple
medications, to check for appropriate doses, duplications, omissions and
interactions.
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Pyxis units are utilized for medication dispensing in some areas.
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The goal of the Infection Control (IC) Program is to identify and reduce the risks of acquiring and transmitting infections among patients, employees and physicians. The following safety practices are part of the Infection Control Program:
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A qualified individual manages the Infection Control (IC) Program.
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The IC Manager screens and reviews patient data for signs of infections.
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Written plans and policies are in place to outline the steps taken to prevent or reduce
the risk of infections.
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Policies for use of personal protective equipment like gloves and gowns are
enforced.
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Hand washing policies for staff and physicians are enforced.
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Staff receives ongoing education in Infection Control practices.
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The IC Manager keeps the hospital staff updated and educated on the latest community
infection risks and precautions that need to be taken.
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