Tag: Postoperative Pain

7 Must Reads for Beating the Opioid Epidemic

This week even the White House took notice of the opioid epidemic, declaring opioid abuse a national public health emergency. However, the opioid epidemic was recognized as early as the 1990s, when doctors became increasingly aware of the burdens of pain.

But, saying there is a problem – the opioid epidemic has long been recognized – and doing something about it, are two completely different things.

To help do something about it, we offer 7 must reads for beating the opioid epidemic:

Continue reading “7 Must Reads for Beating the Opioid Epidemic” →

What Does New CMS Guidance on Monitoring Post-Operative Patients Receiving Opioids Mean for Hospital Practice?

by Michael Wong, JD (Executive Director, Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety)

[This article first appeared in Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare. To read the full article, please click here.]

In its guidance, “Requirements for Hospital Medication Administration, Particularly Intravenous (IV) Medications and Post-Operative Care of Patients Receiving IV Opioids,” CMS explains the reason behind the issue for this guidance:

Continue reading “What Does New CMS Guidance on Monitoring Post-Operative Patients Receiving Opioids Mean for Hospital Practice?” →

Recent Death of 17-Year Old From Unmonitored Tonsillectomy Should Never Have Happened

In Willow Grove, PA, 17-year old Mariah Edwards went into a surgical center to remove her tonsils and died.

ABC News recently reported that the outpatient tonsillectomy was a success. Following the procedure she was moved to a recovery room. In the lawsuit filed on behalf of the Edwards family, it provides that nurses administered a dose of the painkiller fentanyl, a potent, synthetic narcotic analgesic with a rapid onset and short duration of action. Continue reading “Recent Death of 17-Year Old From Unmonitored Tonsillectomy Should Never Have Happened” →

Post-Surgical Patients Require Better Monitoring

by Michael Wong

PPAHS encourages the adoption of the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) recently released recommendations to improve the safety of patients by continuously monitoring patients following surgery. Continue reading “Post-Surgical Patients Require Better Monitoring” →

What are the costs of implementing patient safety?

St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System (SJCHS) found out that the “costs” over a 5-year period of implementing a patient safety initiative was the prevention of at least 471 adverse events, a return on investment of $1.87 million, an internal rate of return of 81%.

by Michael Wong

St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System (SJCHS) found out that the “costs” over a 5-year period of implementing a patient safety initiative was the prevention of at least 471 adverse events, a return on investment of $1.87 million, an internal rate of return of 81%. Continue reading “What are the costs of implementing patient safety?” →