New questions about EHRs’ effectiveness

Carol Katarsky — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:34 +0000

No doubt, many people are touting the value of moving toward EHRs. But for all that time, effort and money, how much of an effect do they really have on patient care?

Not much, according to some critics. Despite numerous studies that have indicated a reduction in medical errors after switching to EHRs, reports sent to the Joint Commission have indicated issues with faulty software at individual facilities that resulted in misdiagnosed patients, incorrect pediatric dosages, and similar issues.

Some clinicians also feel they are losing out on intangibles that improve care because they are spending less time face-to-face with clients, and more time staring at a computer screen.

Do EHRs have more pros than cons? And if so, how can they be implemented to maximize efficiency without harming staff morale or patient care? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Updated sentinel event stats for ’09

Carol Katarsky — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:01 +0000

Here’s the latest data on the 10 most frequently reported sentinel events as tracked by JCAHO.

Reported events Jan.1 through Sept. 30, 2009:

Wrong-site surgery — 126
Unintended retention of foreign body — 97
Delay in treatment — 94
Operative/Post-op complications — 79
Suicide — 72
Patient fall — 65
Medication error — 34
Assault, rape or homicide — 27
Perinatal death or loss of function — 26
Patient death or injury in restraints — 9

Since JCAHO started tracking sentinel events in ’95, more than 6,500 patients have been affected, with 68% of the events resulting in death.

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HealthExecNews » JCAHO

New questions about EHRs’ effectiveness

Updated sentinel event stats for ’09