The National Quality Forum has defined 29 never events—patient safety problems that should never occur, such as wrong-site surgery and patient falls. Since 2003, Minnesota hospitals have been required to report such incidents. The 2021 report summarizes information about 508 adverse events that were reported, representing a significant increase in the year covered. Earlier reports document a fairly consistent count of adverse events. The rise reflected here is likely due to demands on staffing and care processes associated with COVID-19. Pressure ulcers and fall-related injuries were the most common incidents documented. Reports from previous years are available.
This report summarizes patient safety improvement work in the state of Pennsylvania and reviews the 2021 activities of the Patient Safety Authority, including the Agency's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, video programs, liaison efforts, publication programs, and the launch of a new learning management system.
Kallen AJ, Mu Y, Bulens S, et al. JAMA. 2010;304:641-8.
The overall rate of health care–associated infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus declined significantly from 2005 to 2008, perhaps as a result of more aggressive prevention strategies.
Thompson ND, Perz JF, Moorman AC, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2009;150:33-9.
This review investigated outbreaks of hepatitis B and C virus in outpatient settings and found that transmission was uniformly caused by failures to follow basic principles of infection control.
Missouri State Medical Association; Missouri Hospital Association; Primaris
The Missouri Center for Patient Safety is dedicated to improving patient safety in Missouri by applying evidence-based methods and best practices. The private, not-for-profit corporation was established by the Missouri State Medical Association, the Missouri Hospital Association, and Primaris, a quality improvement organization.
The General Assembly of Pennsylvania. HB957 (2005).
This bill calls for a prohibition of mandatory overtime and limiting the work week to 12 hours a day or 60 hours a week for non-supervisory health care employees in Pennsylvania. It is presently under consideration by Pennsylvania's General Assembly.
Clancy CM, Agency for Health Research and Quality; AHRQ.
In this statement, AHRQ Director Carolyn Clancy reviews the work of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and other health care entities to build support for research and improvements in patient safety.
Help us improve our website with this 3-minute survey.