Patient Safety Weekly Must Reads (October 28, 2016)

This week at PPAHS, we continue a new campaign targeting orthopedic VTE with a survey; help us by completing it and sending to relevant colleagues.  The latest #patientsafety news involves a new study on OSA, research into possible drivers of the opioid epidemic, and innovations in hospital design.

From PPAHS:

Announcing Survey on Patient Safety in Orthopedics.  As part of our latest campaign focusing on orthopedic VTE, we’ve designed a survey to understand current physician practices.  Help us by taking the survey and sharing with colleagues, and you’ll be entered into a draw for a $100 Amazon gift card.

From Around the Web:

Sleep Apnea May Boost Risk for Post-Op Problems.   In the past, we’ve targeted obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a key risk factor for opioid-induced respiratory depression.  This new study has also confirmed suspected links of OSA to blood clots and atrial fibrillation in post-op patients.

Trauma Patients Not to Blame for Opioid Epidemic.  A study examining Department of Defense health system medical records has revealed that only 1% of trauma patients discharged filled their prescription for opioid medications after a year.

Hospital Design May Be Linked to Patient Safety, Length of Hospital Stay.  A team at Texas Tech University has found that modifying hospital room designs can reduce fall incidences in elderly people.  It’s research that brings an understanding of how patients interact with their environment to improve safety.

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