Medline, a Mundelein, Ill.-based medical supplies company, gives healthcare organization ways to enhance patient safety.
Here are five ways:
1. Improve communication. Experts have linked communication failures to 1,744 patient deaths in the last five years as well as $1.7 billion in malpractice costs. Clear communication amongst team members is essential to combating errors.
2. Rethink infection control measures. Each year, central line-associated bloodstream infections cost over $1 billion. Certain infection control tools such as a disinfection cap, Swabflush, helps facilities increase infection control compliance and ultimately reduce CLABSIs.
3. Utilize products to avoid patient falls. Organizations should use tools to help clinicians identity which patients are prone to falling as well as tools, such as gripper slipper socks, to prevent falls.
4. Prioritize employee health. When healthcare workers' health fails, it impacts patient care. With seventy-one percent of nurses reporting musculoskeletal pain at work, organizations should consider adding patient handling programs to educate staff on how to properly use lifting equipment and avoid injury.
5. Ongoing education is crucial. Healthcare workers can always learn and should take different courses to provide optimal patient care.
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