Quality and Safety News
This is a collection of news from UNC Health Care related to quality and safety initiatives.
Introducing the Innovations Unit on 4 Anderson North
Please read this note from Mary Tonges, PhD, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, about a new innovations unit located on 4 Anderson North and the work they have done to provide high quality and efficient care to patients.
June Privacy/Security tip of the month
The topic of the month for June is "Release of Patient Information for Research Purposes." Read on for more details and to view an archive of previous tips.
Joint Commission Readiness – Maintaining Clear Corridors – Why does it matter?
More than 50 percent of hospitals surveyed in 2010 were cited for improper corridor storage. Why is it so important to keep our corridors clear?
May Privacy/Security Tip of the Month
This month's topic is “Cell Phones – Personal Usage.”
Introduction to Meaningful Use of EHR - A message from Dr. Roper
Please read the following message from Dr. William L. Roper, CEO, UNC Health Care, about a health care quality initiative requiring that we show Meaningful Use of our Electronic Health Record.
April Privacy/Security Tip-of-the-Month
The April tip-of-the-month is about leaving information on answering machines.
PICU Celebrates VAP-Free Year
Hats off to the PICU! As of March 12, one year has passed since the last ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the Pediatric ICU. Such a huge milestone called for a celebration!
March Privacy/Security Tip
The Privacy/Security Tip of the Month for March is about fax cover sheets.
VAP-Free Days in the PICU
On Jan. 26, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) reached 320 days since the last ventilator-associated pneumonia – far surpassing our previous record of 187 days. Please stop by the PICU and congratulate our patients, families, and staff for partnering to fight infections!
January Privacy/Security tip of the month - New Vendor Relationships Policy
We place great importance on the confidentiality and security of our patients' information. These reminders are designed to refresh your memory about your role in information security. If you have any questions or concerns related to information security and privacy, contact one of the contacts listed under HIPAA Contacts and they will be glad to help. Please read this month's privacy/security tip on the New Vendor Relationships Policy.
UNC Hospitals earns Magnet designation for nursing excellence
UNC Hospitals is one of 378 facilities in the world, and among only 6 percent of all U.S. hospitals, that have earned Magnet designation.
Reminder - 2010 Quality Expo registration ends next Thursday
Calling all Quality Conductors! The annual Commitment to Caring Quality Expo will be held on Oct. 19. Celebrate what your unit/department/team has done to improve the quality of our institution this year by participating in the expo.
Boysen addresses critical keys to patient safety
Can patient safety be taught successfully? The answer is an optimistic yes, but it requires a fundamental culture change across all phases of medical education, according to Dr. Philip Boysen, executive associate dean of graduate medical education and professor of anesthesiology.
Reminder: 2010 Commitment to Caring Quality Expo
Calling all Quality Conductors! The annual Commitment to Caring Quality Expo will be held on Oct. 19. Celebrate what your unit/department/team has done to improve the quality of our institution this year by participating in the expo.
UNC Hospitals reduces central-line associated bloodstream infections by 85 percent
A new study shows that several interventions implemented over a 10-year period prevented an estimated 887 infections and 244 deaths and saved UNC Hospitals more than $20 million in treatment costs.
2010 Commitment to Caring Quality Expo
Calling all Quality Conductors! The annual Commitment to Caring Quality Expo will be held on Oct. 19. Celebrate what your unit/department/team has done to improve the quality of our institution this year by participating in the expo.
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Risk Assessment & Prophylaxis Protocol to be released in CPOE on April 6
On April 6, a VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis protocol will be released that instructs providers to perform a standardized VTE risk assessment on each adult patient admitted to UNC Hospitals. This risk assessment will link to a menu of appropriate prophylaxis options within our CPOE system.
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Risk Assessment & Prophylaxis Protocol to be released in CPOE on April 6
On April 6, a VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis protocol will be released that instructs providers to perform a standardized VTE risk assessment on each adult patient admitted to UNC Hospitals. This risk assessment will link to a menu of appropriate prophylaxis options within our CPOE system.
Brain Attack Team established
The Brain Attack Team (BAT) began operation March 9. The BAT is a team that provides emergency assessment and care to inpatients showing signs of impending stroke.
Brain Attack Team established
The Brain Attack Team (BAT) began operation March 9. The BAT is a team that provides emergency assessment and care to inpatients showing signs of impending stroke.
