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Thursday, March 9, 2023

Impacts of skilled Nursing workforce to patient safety and quality of healthcare delivery


Skilled Nursing workforce and Patient safety

A skilled nursing workforce has a significant impact on patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. Studies have shown that higher nurse staffing levels are associated with lower rates of patient mortality, morbidity, and complications. For example, a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that a 10% increase in the number of registered nurses (RNs) per patient was associated with a 5% decrease in the risk of patient death.

Skilled nurses play a critical role in ensuring patient safety by:

  • Providing high-quality care: Nurses are responsible for administering medications, monitoring patients' vital signs, and providing wound care. They are also responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care.

  • Identifying and responding to changes in patients' condition: Nurses are the eyes and ears of the healthcare team. They are responsible for monitoring patients' condition and reporting any changes to the physician. This is especially important for patients who are at high risk for complications.

  • Preventing errors: Nurses are responsible for following safe medication administration practices and other protocols to prevent errors. They are also responsible for reporting any errors that do occur so that they can be investigated and prevented from happening again.

  • Advocating for patients: Nurses are patients' advocates. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the care they need and that their rights are respected.

In addition to their direct impact on patient safety, skilled nurses also contribute to the quality of healthcare delivery by:

  • Providing continuity of care: Nurses often work with patients over extended periods of time. This allows them to build relationships with patients and their families and to gain a deep understanding of their needs.

  • Coordinating care: Nurses play a key role in coordinating care among different members of the healthcare team. This helps to ensure that patients receive seamless care and that their needs are met in a timely manner.

  • Providing education and support: Nurses are responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care. They also provide support to patients and their families during difficult times.

In conclusion, a skilled nursing workforce is essential for ensuring patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. By investing in nursing education and training, healthcare organizations can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse events.


Wednesday, March 8, 2023

International Patient Safety Goals (IPSGs) utilization for maternal and childcare improvement


International Patient Safety Goals (IPSGs) utilization for maternal and childcare improvement

The International Patient Safety Goals (IPSGs) are a set of evidence-based standards developed by the Joint Commission International (JCI) to help healthcare organizations improve patient safety. The IPSGs are widely recognized as a global benchmark for patient safety and are used by accredited organizations in over 100 countries.

The IPSGs can be used to improve maternal and childcare safety in a number of ways. For example:

  • Improve the accuracy and completeness of patient identification. This can help to prevent misidentification of mothers and babies, which can lead to medication errors and other problems.

  • Improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers. This can help to ensure that all members of the care team are aware of the mother's and baby's condition and are working together to provide safe care.

  • Improve the safety of high-alert medications. This can help to prevent medication errors, which are a leading cause of harm in healthcare.

  • Reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in mothers and babies. By implementing IPSGs related to hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and safe injection practices, healthcare organizations can reduce the risk of HAIs.

  • Reduce the risk of patient falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury in mothers and babies. By implementing IPSGs related to fall prevention, healthcare organizations can help to keep mothers and babies safe.

In addition to these specific IPSGs, all of the IPSGs can contribute to improved maternal and childcare safety by promoting a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. By focusing on patient safety, healthcare organizations can create a safer environment for mothers, babies, and all patients.

Here are some specific examples of how IPSGs have been used to improve maternal and childcare safety:

  • In one study, the implementation of an IPSG on patient identification was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of medication errors in newborns.

  • In another study, the implementation of an IPSG on communication among caregivers was associated with a reduction in the rate of adverse events in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

  • In a third study, the implementation of an IPSG on the safety of high-alert medications was associated with a reduction in the rate of medication errors in the maternity ward.

These studies provide evidence that the IPSGs can be effective in improving maternal and childcare safety. During my clinical practice in a busy obstetrics and newborn unit, I have seen tremendous reduction of incidences and quality improvement after adoption and utilization of IPSGs. I will affirm that, by implementing the IPSGs, healthcare organizations can make a significant contribution to improving the safety of mothers and babies in Kenya and around the world.


Justice for Daniel Muthiani a.k.a Sniper is Justice for Meru Youths

  Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as Sniper, was a Meru-based blogger and political activist. He was reported missing on December 2, 2023, ...