The Joint Commission released the 2019 national patient safety goals for ambulatory healthcare.
Here are the key details to know:
1. Identifying patients correctly
● The Joint Commission recommends practices use two methods when identifying patients, such as the patient's name and date of birth.
● When patients get a blood transfusion, practices should make sure the correct patient gets the correct blood.
2. Using medicines safely
● Medications should be labeled before a surgery..
● Clinicians should take extra care with patients who take blood thinning medications.
● Information about the medications a patient is taking should be recorded and passed on. Patients should also know to record and bring their up-to-date list of medications with them on every visit to the practice.
3. Prevent infections
● Follow the CDC's and World Health Organization's guidelines for handwashing, and set goals for improving handwashing practices.
● Use infection control guidelines to prevent infection after surgery.
4. Prevent mistakes during surgery
● Take steps to ensure the correct surgery is being done on the correct patient and in the correct place.
● Mark the correct place on the patient's body where the surgery is to be performed.
● Take a moment to confirm mistakes aren't being made before starting surgery.