Although providing patients with access to physician notes and test results supports transparency and patient engagement, it can also introduce certain challenges. This newspaper article reports on unintended psychological stresses associated with direct patient access to test results without appropriate contextual information. Improvement strategies include use of graphics, timely patient-centered communication, and scheduling appointments to discuss results. A PSNet perspective explored how patient-facing technologies can empower patients and improve safety.

The prevalence of polypharmacy among older patients represents an important concern for health care safety, as unneeded medications can contribute to patient harm. This newspaper article reports on several strategies to reduce inappropriate medication use in older patients, including desprescribing and brown bag medication review.

… and motivations for the practice such as efficiency. … Boodman SG. Kaiser Health News. July 12, 2017. … SG … Boodman … SG Boodman …

This news article reports on two incidents involving medical errors—one demonstrating the traditional shroud of secrecy and the other building on transparency and open disclosure—to illustrate the value of honest apology, discussion, and resolution of medical error for clinicians, patients, and families.

… clinicians, and bringing an advocate to appointments. … Boodman SG. Washington Post. December 4, 2016. … SG … Boodman … SG Boodman …

… to enhance medical students' diagnostic skills. … Boodman SG, Kaiser Health News. Washington Post. May 19, 2014. … Kaiser Health News … SG … Boodman … SG Boodman …

This news article reports on the clinical, educational, and economic consequences of resident work hour limits.

… and patients on why they occur and how to prevent them. … Boodman SG. Washington Post. May 6, 2013. … SG … Boodman … SG Boodman …

This newspaper article reports on how anger management courses can address physicians' disruptive behavior and improve their coping and communication skills.

This newspaper article reports on a case of wrong-site surgery and explores initiatives to prevent such errors, including the Universal Protocol and Partnership for Patients program.

This newspaper article reveals how biases and lack of trust in the patient/family perspective may contribute to diagnostic error.

This newspaper article discusses how nocturnists—physicians who work overnight in the hospital—may improve patient safety.

This article discusses problems associated with low health literacy and several efforts to address the issue.