safety precautions pohs

What is the definition of safety in healthcare?

Safety is the lack of harm or danger, focusing on avoiding negative outcomes such as injury.

What are the five common safety issues in healthcare?

Errors, Injuries, Accidents, Infections, and Environmental events.

What is the difference between safety and quality of care?

Safety focuses on avoiding harm, while quality focuses on delivering care efficiently, effectively, and at the right time.

What are some internal factors affecting patient safety?

Mental disabilities, physical disabilities, impaired hearing or vision, substance abuse, and prescription medication affecting judgment.

What are some external factors affecting patient safety?

Unsafe neighborhoods, dangerous pets, violent family members, unregulated room temperatures, poor indoor air and lighting, and unsanitary conditions.

What is a healthcare-acquired infection (HAI)?

An infection a patient contracts while receiving medical treatment, which can lead to longer hospital stays and even death.

What must healthcare employees know about safety signs and symbols?

They must be able to identify and interpret common safety symbols used in healthcare facilities.

Define ergonomics in a healthcare context.

Ergonomics is the study of promoting safety and comfort by adapting the work environment to fit the needs of the worker.

What should healthcare workers do to maintain a sanitary environment?

They should ensure spills are cleaned up immediately, follow policies for waste disposal, and keep high traffic areas clean.

What does OSHA stand for and what is its role?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; it enforces safety standards in workplaces to protect employees.

What is a 'sentinel event' in healthcare?

An unanticipated event resulting in death or serious injury to a patient, not related to the patient's illness.

What must healthcare employees do when reporting an incident?

They must document the event accurately, noting involved parties and actions taken.

What is the difference between medical negligence and medical malpractice?

Negligence involves failure to provide reasonable care without intent to cause harm, whereas malpractice involves intentional failure to meet standards of care.

What is required for proper patient identification?

Always use more than one identifier, such as checking wristbands and asking the patient to confirm their identity.

Why is it important for healthcare workers to explain treatment to patients?

Patients have the right to know what is being done to them; this helps to alleviate anxiety and builds trust.

How can liability in healthcare be reduced?

By following established policies and procedures, maintaining proper documentation, and accurately reporting incidents.