Reducing low-value tests and treatments has been a focus of patient safety efforts, but less attention has been focused on low-value patient safety practices (PSP). This study describes the concept of “safety clutter” and understanding which PSP are of low-value, ineffective, and could be discontinued. Frequently cited PSP included paperwork, duplication, and intentional rounding.

… control measures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. … Gould D, Purssell E, Jeanes A, et al. The problem with 'My …

This thematic analysis explored variations in the impact of hand hygiene interventions to prevent healthcare-associated infections. The analysis identified several directions for future research, including exploring ways to avoid the Hawthorne effect, embed the interventions into wider patient safety initiatives, and develop systematic approaches to implementation.

This randomized controlled trial had nurses on four hospital wards wear "do not interrupt" vests during medication administration. The rate of interruptions the intervention nurses experienced was compared to the rate in four control wards that did not have nurses wear vests. Although the intervention reduced non–medication-related interruptions, nurses reported that the vests were time consuming and uncomfortable; less than half would support continuing the intervention. This study demonstrates the need to design and test sustainable interventions to improve patient safety.

This study includes insights from senior hospital managers regarding strategies to improve hand hygiene compliance. The leaders stressed the importance of visible champions, engaged patients, and regular audit and feedback.

The investigators analyzed nurse satisfaction with shift handovers in 10 European countries and found that disturbances during shift change and lack of time were sources of dissatisfaction.

The investigators surveyed staff and consumers about their involvement in a health services' root cause analysis initiative. They found that participants valued the process but felt there could be more emphasis on articulating causes of the failure.