December 15, 2021

Patient Safety Beat Patient safety news and progress in Massachusetts.

Greetings from the Executive Director

As we continue to navigate the ebb and flow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pillars of patient safety — leadership, continuous improvement, and support for patients, families, clinicians and staff — matter more than ever.  With Patient Safety Beat, we strive to share news and resources that advance the delivery of high quality, safe care. Despite the stresses of the past 20+ months, we know that innovative approaches to improving the safety of our health care system are taking shape throughout Massachusetts. We’d love to hear from you so we can share your successes.  Thank you to everyone working to improve health in all communities across the Commonwealth, with a special thanks to those working in direct patient care. The entire Betsy Lehman Center team wishes all our readers a wonderful and safe holiday season and we look forward to continuing our partnership in 2022.

Best wishes,

Barbara Fain

FIVE TOP STORIES FROM 2021

Difficult events in patient care impact all staff, but support from peers can help Data from seven Massachusetts hospitals add to growing evidence that talking to a peer can help clinicians and staff members heal after difficult experiences in patient care. The hospitals are engaged in building peer support programs in their organizations as part of a Betsy Lehman Center pilot initiative. Read the story

At Risky Business forum, experts across industries draw lessons from the pandemic

IHI’s Don Berwick, the New England Patriots’ Josh McDaniels, and other innovators give rapid-fire presentations about managing risk, promoting teamwork, and advancing equity at this year’s virtual Risky Business patient safety conference. Read the story

Bringing acute care services into people’s homes is gaining a foothold in Massachusetts

Leaders at Brigham Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, VA Boston Healthcare and UMass Memorial Medical Center discuss the advantages and challenges of providing hospital-level care at home, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. Read the story

New research highlights home care workers’ views on safer care

In focus groups convened by the Betsy Lehman Center, more than 80 Massachusetts home care workers describe challenges to safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report offers ways to attract and retain workers able to meet the needs of an aging population. Read the story

Colleagues remember patient safety leader, advocate and friend, Jim Conway

Jim Conway, who passed away in July, was a trailblazer in his efforts to include patients and families as equal partners in care, support health care personnel and demand transparency about medical errors and harm. Colleagues and friends share thoughts on his 50+ years in health care. Read the story

Patient Safety Beat is published by the Betsy Lehman Center, a Massachusetts state agency that supports providers, patients and policymakers working together to advance the safety and quality of health care.

BetsyLehmanCenterMA.gov

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