Quick Safety 69: Preventing burns from laparoscopy and arthroscopy

“Even momentary proximity between an illuminated laparoscopic or arthroscopic light lead and a surgical drape can cause a full-thickness burn to the patient’s skin without generating any smoke or fire. The risk of thermal injury rises with the brightness of the lamp used,” The Joint Commission added.

Although most primary care physicians and patients were satisfied with telehealth visits during the coronavirus pandemic, majorities of both populations prefer in-person visits in the future, according to a new research article.

“Transparency and trust in AI tools that will be influencing medical decisions is absolutely paramount for patients and clinicians,” Brian Anderson, MD, a co-founder of the coalition and chief digital health physician at MITRE, said in a press release. “The CHAI Blueprint seeks to align health AI standards and reporting to enable patients and clinicians to better evaluate the algorithms that may be contributing to their care.”

In the absence of embracing of a culture of safety throughout all levels of any organization, the folks who manage the physical environment would seem to be at something of a disadvantage.

CMS has significantly expanded its guidance to its state and regional surveyors, telling them to put more focus on governing bodies’ responsibility for quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI).

“Diagnostic error remains our greatest patient safety challenge. It’s an area for which we’ve had the fewest solutions to date, and it applies to every healthcare venue, not just the [emergency department (ED)],” Truax says.

Make sure your facility’s weekly and monthly environmental walkthrough checklist includes looking for anything resting on fire sprinkler pipes, and don’t forget to check the “back of the house.”

Laboratorians work with vendor or field service representatives on a regular basis, all of whom provide important products, equipment, and services. However, lab managers and employees need to pay special attention to the actions that reps take in the lab and the information that they provide. These representatives are experts in their products and processes, but they may not be well versed in your lab’s processes or in overall safety regulations.