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ADDRESS:
Patient Safety Authority
333 Market Street
Lobby Level
Harrisburg, PA 17120


Phone: 717-346-0469
Fax: 717-346-1090


  
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Increases in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and Influenza-like Illnesses in Nursing Homes in 2011 Call for the Implementation of Structured Prevention Programs 

The reported number of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) increased by six percent and 28 percent respectively in Pennsylvania nursing homes in 2011 compared to 2010 data, emphasizing the need for structured prevention programs, according to information published in the December 2011 Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory. Click here for more information.
Press Releases 

Below are the links to the 10 most recent press releases.  All press releases are listed in the Archives.

 

Increases in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and Influenza-like Illnesses in Nursing Homes in 2011 Call for the Implementation of Structured Prevention Programs
Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections are the second most common infections among nursing home residents and the leading cause of death from infections in the long-term care setting
Failed Organizational and Departmental Processes May Lead to Wrong-Patient, Wrong-Procedure, Wrong-Side and Wrong-Site Errors in Radiology Services
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority identified 652 events in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities in 2009
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Issues Annual Report for 2010
The Authority highlights the success of its Patient Safety Liaison Program and blood specimen mislabeling collaborative as well as the reduction of healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and nursing homes
The Patient Safety Authority Provides Tools for Healthcare Providers to Participate in the “Partnership for Patients” Initiative
One click on the Authority’s website links healthcare providers directly to the information and tools they will need to participate in the national healthcare initiative designed to prevent patient harm
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Highlights Patient Safety Issues During Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 6-12)
The Authority has partnered with Quality Insights of Pennsylvania and consumer groups throughout the state to raise awareness of healthcare issues
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Data Shows Patients with Language Barriers May Be at Greater Risk of a Medical Error
The Authority provides studies supporting the data in its latest Patient Safety Advisory and encourages healthcare facilities to implement suggested risk reduction strategies
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Bids Farewell to Its Chair with Tribute in March Patient Safety Advisory
Dr. Ana Pujols-McKee is credited with helping the Authority broaden its activities beyond data collection and written guidance
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Contributes to Global Patient Safety Alerts Website
New website gives healthcare professionals from around the world access to lessons learned from organizations like the Authority that are collecting data and providing guidance for preventing medical errors
Annual Threat of Norovirus Approaches for Nursing Homes and Hospitals
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority data shows a significant increase in cases of norovirus and norovirus-like gastrointestinal illness particularly in nursing homes in early 2010; but the virus can be controlled as shown by Pennsylvania nursing homes who share their success stories

 Archives
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List of all Press Releases

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Archive
2007
Patient Safety Authority Releases Advisory Focusing on Common Causes of Medication Errors
Drug mix-ups occur frequently due to packaging and sound-alike drug names
Patient Safety Authority Board of Directors Names Infection Advisory Panel
Group represents healthcare professionals from across Pennsylvania with substantial experience in infection control management and practice
Patient Safety Authority Releases Wrong-Site Surgery Data
Actual and Near Miss Wrong-Site Surgery is Reported Every Other Day in PA Healthcare Facilities
Pharmacy Computer System Safety Workgroup Results Released by Patient Safety Authority in Supplementary Advisory
The results show pharmacy computer systems in Pennsylvania facilities are not detecting unsafe drug orders as well as they could be
Patient Safety Authority Outlines Next Steps with Strategic Plan
Patient Safety Initiatives Include Educating Hospital Boards of Trustees about the Importance of Disclosure and Learning from Events
Patient Safety Authority Issues Annual Report for 2006
Report shows significant number of changes made in healthcare facilities as a result of guidance issued by the Authority, but more work remains for increasing patient safety within institutions and reducing preventable medical errors
Kidney Failure Can Result from Iodine Dye Used for X-Rays Data Shows
Patient Safety Authority issues risk predictors and guidance to prevent the third most common cause of hospital-acquired kidney failure
Patient Safety Authority Marks Patient Safety Awareness Week March 4-10
The Authority will hold a public board meeting and release results from an assessment of electronic pharmacy computer systems in Pennsylvania hospitals which show opportunities for improvement
Hip Surgery Complication Rare But Deadly Data Shows
Patient Safety Authority advises orthopedic surgeons about the risks and suggests prevention strategies
2006
Alan Rabinowitz resigns as Patient Safety Authority Administrator
Rabinowitz was named the Authority’s first Administrator in November, 2002.
Patient Safety Authority Receives 2006 John M. Eisenberg Award
The Eisenberg Award recognizes the Authority’s efforts to make the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) into a nationally recognized resource for education and learning about patient safety.
Older Patients More Prone to Skin Tears Data Shows
Patient Safety Authority issues guidance to healthcare facilities to prevent painful skin injury to patients
PA Hospitals Form Grassroots Effort to Reduce Risk of Medical Error
Task Force develops standards for use of Color-Coded Wristbands
Data Shows Verbal Drug Orders Are Often Misunderstood
Although sometimes necessary, verbal orders can lead to errors unless safe practice protocols are in place
Patient Safety Authority Issues Annual Report for 2005
Research from Mandatory Reporting Drives Change in Patient Care Nearly 75% of Hospitals Have Implemented Quality Improvements as a Result of Act 13
Data Raises Questions about Who is Administering Sedation Drug
Over 100 reports cite drug in question and include four patient deaths. Other reported data show risks involving manufacturer’s representatives, contaminated surgical instruments and look-alike packaging
Patient Safety Authority Marks Patient Safety Awareness Week March 5-11
New consumer web page includes a brochure with advice for patients on how they can help prevent medical errors
Patient Safety Authority Issues December 2005 Patient Safety Advisory
Reports suggest that more detailed discharge instructions and greater patient communication at discharge could help improve safety and continuity of care for recovering patients
2005
Use of Color-Coded Patient Wristbands Creates Unnecessary Risk
A recent “near-miss” report submitted to the Patient Safety Authority emphasizes the need for caution by healthcare facilities
Patient Safety Authority Issues Annual Report for 2004
Country’s First Mandatory Reporting System for Adverse Events and Near Misses; Data Reveals Trends and Patterns to Help Enhance Patient Safety
Patient Safety Authority Marks Patient Safety Awareness Week
State Agency Calls Upon Healthcare Providers to Prevent Patient Harm By Promoting Patient Safety
Patient Safety Authority Recommends Two Programs to Improve Patient Safety
Hospitals May Be Eligible for Discounts in Medical Malpractice Premiums
2004
Patient Safety Authority Board Chair Receives 2004 Healthcare IT Innovator Award for Pennsylvania's Patient Safety Reporting System
Dr. Robert Muscalus receives award for Pennsylvania’s innovative approach to improving patient safety
Statewide Mandatory Reporting System in Place
Over 400 health care facilities now reporting through Pennsylvania’s Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS); Medical error reporting system is first in the nation.
Patient Safety Authority Marks Patient Safety Awareness Week March 7-13
First advisory issued to promote patient safety. Nearly 400 healthcare facilities to begin mandatory reporting by early summer.
2003
Patient Safety Authority Initiates Reporting System
Twenty-two hospitals and surgical centers participate in initial phase of mandatory statewide reporting system; Pennsylvania in the forefront in promoting patient safety.
ECRI Selected to Implement Patient Safety System
Patient Safety Authority awards contract to implement innovative program to improve patient safety; contract awarded to Pennsylvania-based firms; Pennsylvania in the forefront
 
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