February 28, 2024

Massachusetts aims to offer first-ever statewide approach to health care safety education 

A new advisory group convened by the Betsy Lehman Center will shape a statewide approach to safety education that equips all who work in patient care organizations — from executives to board members to clinicians and staff — to work together to prevent patient harm. The initiative also aims to help organizations improve health equity, patient experience and workforce retention without unnecessarily adding to existing workloads. The work stems from the state’s strategic plan, the Roadmap to Health Care Safety for Massachusetts.

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Home use of medical devices tops annual hazard list, but coordinated care can help

Medical devices used in residential settings top ECRI’s list of Top-10 Health Technology Hazards for 2024. When used incorrectly, devices and equipment can pose hazards that are difficult to anticipate and address by patients and families. Cambridge Health Alliance's Kate Mooney describes ways these hazards can be mitigated with coordinated care and communication.

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Betsy Lehman Center resources address emergency department safety risks

Emergency departments across the state face the challenge of rising patient volumes and wait times. Resources developed by an expert panel of Massachusetts emergency medicine clinicians and leaders are available from the Betsy Lehman Center. With case studies and recommended practices, the materials address three critical risks to safety: crowding, cognitive overload and care coordination.

Read the full set of recommendations and case studies

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