In support of National Patient Safety Awareness Week, from March 4 – 10, 2007, Spalding Regional Medical Center is participating with the National Patient Safety Foundation’s (NPSF) efforts to highlight effective communication as the patient safety tool of choice. The theme, “Patient Safety: A Road Taken Together,” emphasizes the partnership between providers, patients and their community in improving patient safety and focuses on the impact of teamwork on all levels. The theme encourages providers to listen to their patients, speak in simple terms, and empower and develop an equal growing partnership. For patients, medical information is often difficult to understand. Patients who ask questions until they understand what they need to do can become partners with their doctor to manage their health. This understanding will build relationships and improve patient safety!

Spalding Regional Medical Center has numerous patient safety standards in place. One practice is the medication reconciliation program. When a patient is admitted to the hospital, a list of the medications the patient is currently taking at home is documented. Throughout the patient’s stay at the hospital, physicians will reconcile the list to ensure it is always accurate and at discharge, the list is confirmed so a patient knows what medications to take at home.

In addition, hospital staff members always use two unique identifiers on the patient’s hospital bracelet, such as a patient’s full name and medical record number, to identify a patient. Patients’ risk of falling is assessed at each nursing shift. A patient with a high risk of falling is identified with red socks so staff can be aware of the risk. Furthermore, before surgery, the surgeon and the operating room team take a “time out” to confirm the right patient, the right side and the right procedure.

“We are proud to support the National Patient Safety Foundation in their efforts to bring awareness of patient safety to the public. Patient safety is one of our top priorities here at the hospital,” says John Quinn, Chief Executive Officer at Spalding Regional Medical Center. “But, patient safety is a joint effort. The hospital, physicians, patients and their family members all play an important role in it.”

Spalding Regional Medical Center is joining more than 450 Stand Up for Patient Safety member hospitals and health systems in celebrating Patient Safety Awareness Week. Hospitals, communities and organizations across the country will celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week by holding special activities for patients, families, healthcare providers, and their communities.

“Patient Safety Awareness Week is a call to action to raise awareness of the issue and encourage patient safety by highlighting the importance of asking questions, listening and learning in making healthcare decisions,” said Diane C. Pinakiewicz, President of NPSF. “This year we are encouraging our hospital members to reach out into their community and engage them in this broader goal of collective patient safety.”

For up-to-date information on Patient Safety Awareness Week and the patient safety movement, visit www.npsf.org.