The use of health technology has grown exponentially in the past few decades, and the proliferation and complexity of this technology has led to new risks to patient safety. In this interview with IHI Communications Specialist Jo Ann Endo, IHI Executive Director and patient safety expert, Frank Federico, describes the keys to success for using health technology safely. Frank helped develop the upcoming IHI Expedition on Improving Patient Safety with Health Technology. Watch video with Frank Fede ... read full post

“I became impatient with the fact that we were implementing so little of what we knew,” says Carol Haraden, IHI Vice President and patient safety expert. This interview is the first installment in a new periodic series on the IHI blog that will feature quality improvement and patient safety experts commenting on how they started their QI work, how they maintain their energy, and what resources have been most meaningful to their success. Carol Haraden Q When did your interest in quality improveme ... read full post

On October 20, 2014, The Joint Commission (TJC) issued a new “Patient Safety Systems” chapter in the 2015 Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals. In this post, IHI Executive Director Frank Federico, RPh, comments on the chapter's emphasis on leadership.The Joint Commission’s new "Patient Safety Systems" chapter is a blueprint for leaders that uses existing standards to achieve an integrated approach to patient safety. According to the Joint Commission, “While this chapter does not incl ... read full post

A recent article in BMJ Quality doing so can increase safety and buoy the morale of those working hard to improve patient care. Joelle Baehrend is Fellowship Director at IHI and the Content Manager for IHI’s Patient Safety Focus Area.At IHI we’re often reminded by our dear colleague and intrepid patient safety expert, Carol Haraden, that “hope is not a plan.” It’s become common wisdom here in the office and among the thousands of improvers who commit to moving beyond hoping things will impro ... read full post

Inadequate health literacy can lead to numerous negative effects on an individual’s health, including poor self-care, increased utilization of services, worse outcomes, and decreased likelihood of receiving preventive care. Poor communication also contributes to unnecessary readmissions and reduced patient satisfaction and engagement.