We're Listening: Learning from Oregon Caregivers
Last week, we attended the Oregon Health Care Association (OHCA) Annual Convention, “The Art of Innovation.” At this event, we surveyed some of the attendees to learn more about their thoughts on key patient safety practices and the best things a facility can do to prevent harm. Here’s what we learned:
Question: What’s the best thing a facility can do to prevent harm?
Attendees told us that providing essential training and education is key to preventing harm. Learn more about safety and quality programs in a long-term care setting.
They also highlighted the importance of offering enrichment activities and programs that are tailored to the interests and needs of the individual. Higher quality of life can reduce safety risks by positively impacting conditions like loneliness, cognitive decline, and stress. Learn more about the connection between facility environment and patient safety in chapter 6 of the The National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality.
Question: Does your facility use an electronic system to track adverse events (i.e., medical errors)?
85% of those we talked to said they use an electronic system to track these events. In addition to tracking individual events, tracking systems can help organizations identify trends that are difficult to see in isolation. Learn more about how tracking adverse events can inform data-driven solutions for improving care.
Question: Does your facility share the results of adverse event (i.e., medical error) investigations with facility staff?
76% of those we talked to said that they share the results of adverse event investigations with facility staff. Feedback helps providers and staff know that the organization took action when safety issues were reported or identified, helping to foster a culture of patient safety in the organization. Access tools and templates from LiveWell Oregon to help engage your team in quality improvement.