September 2018

Special Issue: Sepsis Awareness Month

Sepsis takes a life every two minutes in the U.S., yet a vast majority of people don’t recognize its symptoms. With this issue, we observe Sepsis Awareness Month and describe new steps Massachusetts is taking to increase awareness of sepsis and improve the quality of care.

Up Front

Massachusetts launches new initiative to stop sepsis

The Massachusetts Sepsis Consortium – a partnership of more than 30 health care-related organizations – will advance public awareness and the early detection and treatment of a condition that affects tens of thousands of Commonwealth residents every year. 

For Secretary Marylou Sudders, combatting sepsis is personal, too

“It wasn’t until after my sister’s death that I came to understand how pervasive sepsis is as a cause of death in the U.S. and how preventable it is if there is early and accurate diagnosis and treatment." 

Explainer

Coordination is key to stemming sepsis

Like other states across the country, Massachusetts is developing collaborative strategies to prevent death and harm due to sepsis. 

Other News

New site, same mission

We redesigned our website with you in mind by improving the reading and navigation experience and adding video, podcasts, and more. See the new site here and let us know what you think.

Upcoming events

Film Screening - "To Err Is Human"

When: September 27, 2018, 3:30 - 6 pm
What: Western New England University's Department of Pharmacy and Health Science presents a film screening of the documentary "To Err Is Human" followed by an expert panel discussion focused on patient safety.
Where: WNEU's Rivers Memorial Hall, Springfield, MA
Who: Panelists include: Suzanne Nevins, RNC, Northshore Medical Center; Elizabeth Isaac, Pharm.D., UMass Medical Center; Karen M. Johnson, BSN, RN, CCMSCP, Baystate Medical Center; Charles Milch, PA-C, Springfield College
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Healthcare Quality and Safety 2018

When: October 15-16, 2018
What: Brigham Health offers two days of educational programing with practical advice, sustainable strategies and best practices in patient safety and quality improvement. The program is designed for a broad range of health care professionals.
Where: Sheraton Boston Hotel
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Patient Safety Beat is published monthly by the Betsy Lehman Center, a state agency that uses communications, research, and data to catalyze the efforts of providers, policymakers, and consumers working toward safer health care in Massachusetts.