366th MDG highlights patient safety

  • Published
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The 366th Medical Group joined with hospitals across the nation to emphasize their commitment to patient care during the 2009 National Patient Safety Awareness Week, which ended March 14.

With a theme of, "A Prescription for Patient Safety - One Partnership, One Team," the week's activities included information at the Women's Health Fair, a poster contest, note pads with health and safety information tips, medication handouts and medication reconciliation training for staff members.

"Patient safety is a high priority, and any hospital or clinic can pose safety concerns for patients," said Col. Jerrold Flyer, 366th MDG commander. "Sharp instruments and needles, medications, blood transfusions, electrical instruments and machines all pose hazards for our patients. Fortunately, the 366th Medical Group has solid procedures in place and every member of the staff takes patient safety very seriously so that our rate of adverse events is extremely low."

According to the Institute of Medicine, as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in hospitals each year as a result of medical errors. Approximately 7,000 people are estimated to die from medication errors alone.

"Even one event is too much, so we continuously strive to improve our processes to make our facility safe for patients and staff," said Colonel Flyer.

The 366th MDG has an ongoing program to implement processes to ensure patients receiving care are safe and not exposed to infections. Training helps staff practice skills, promote team building and learn effective communication.

Patients are encouraged to become active members of the team by asking questions and bringing up any concerns they may have. Patients should know the names of medications they take and keep a list of them as well as keeping results from tests and procedures they completed.

"This is a cooperative effort, and we need the help of every patient in this endeavor," the medical group commander said.

Another layer of safety is added when patients are asked to state their full name and date of birth. This ensures their care is documented correctly so the correct medications are administered or procedures are completed, he said.

"Together we can make our medical facility safe for every patient and staff member," said Colonel Flyer.