October 16, 2025

Q&A with Barbra Rabson on the urgent need to address challenges in primary care

Barbra Rabson, President and CEO of Massachusetts Health Quality Partners, shares insights into primary care and how current challenges affect health care safety. She discusses issues that include access, capacity, equity gaps and workforce strain and looks to data-driven strategies to drive change.

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No decline in hospital sharps injuries in 10 years

Despite safety laws and prevention efforts, the rate of sharps injuries among hospital workers in the state has remained unchanged for more than 10 years. A new data brief from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health sheds light on why and what hospitals can do to improve safety.

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New videos feature PFAC members at Beth Israel Deaconess and Southcoast Health

New videos highlight the importance of Patient and Family Advisory Councils in Massachusetts. Staff and patients at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Southcoast Health, and the Betsy Lehman Center talk about how PFACs shape hospital decision-making and improve patient care.

About PFACs

Get involved with PFACs

Upcoming events

Oct 22

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Healthcare Well-Being Summit: Investment, Implementation, and Transformation A one-day program in Burlington focused on burnout, resilience, and workforce well-being. Linda Kenney, Director of Peer Support Programs at the Betsy Lehman Center, is a speaker. Register here

Oct 24

8 a.m.

New England Ambulatory Surgical Center Conference. ASC leaders will discuss education, policy insights, and operational best practices at this in-person event in Newton. Betsy Lehman Center Executive Director, Barbara Fain, will lead a breakout session with the Department of Public Health and Board of Registration in Medicine. Register here

Nov 3

5 - 6:15 p.m.

PFAC Fall Forum: Effective goal setting for Patient and Family Advisory Councils. A virtual event hosted by the Betsy Lehman Center, with regional breakout sessions and a presentation by Katie Litterer, Program Manager for Family Partnerships at Boston Children’s Hospital. Register here

Nov 13

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Risky Business: Trust in an age of uncertainty. The 2025 conference in Boston looks to other industries for lessons learned about trust and how it can be earned. Register here

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

BetsyLehmanCenterMA.gov