Safety Concerns in Healthcare

National Quality Forum

Organization that sets national standards for healthcare quality and created the list of Serious Reportable Events (SREs) & categories for improving client safety.

Serious Reportable Events (SREs)

Preventable, serious patient-safety events—“never events”—that should not occur in healthcare.

Categories for Improving Client Safety

Includes safety culture, informed consent/ethical care, matching services to needs, and improving communication, med management, condition and site specific practices

The Joint Commission

Accrediting body that sets national standards and evaluates healthcare quality and safety.

Sentinel Event

An unexpected occurrence causing death, serious injury, or risk; requires urgent review.

National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG)

Safety goals developed by TJC to reduce preventable errors and improve client safety.

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)

Prepares nurses with safety competencies; Focus: patient-centered care, teamwork, EBP, QI, safety, informatics

Medicare

• Federal program

• For age 65+ and certain disabilities

Medicaid

• Federal + state program

• For people with low income