Summer 2018

Up Front

Family members face challenges caring safely for loved ones at home

In large numbers, family members are providing complex care at home, often for the elderly, with very little support. New resources offer help. 

Five Questions

Discussing safe care for the elderly with Secretary of Elder Affairs Alice Bonner

“Start by asking care recipients what’s important to them." 

From The Director

Decoding media reports about medical errors for the public

The number of adverse event reports in Massachusetts doesn’t reflect the full scope of safety challenges, but reminds us that there’s work still be done. 

Safety Snapshot

Hospitals make progress nationally against some safety risks

Hospitals achieved an eight percent drop in the rate of hospital-acquired conditions between 2014 and 2016, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 

Upcoming events

Grants to improve diagnosis

What:The Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation is offering up to $3 million for research and innovative projects designed to prevent misdiagnosis. The Request for Proposals is open to all clinical disciplines, with grants of up to $300,000 available per organization.
Deadline: Monday, July 30, 2018
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Lucian Leape Institute Annual Forum & Keynote Dinner

When: September 13, 2018
What: The Lucian Leape Institute’s 11th annual event begins with an afternoon of sessions led by LLI members and leaders in the field of patient safety, plus an afternoon keynote presentation. The evening program includes a reception, dinner and a keynote speaker. Uma R. Kotagal, Senior Executive Leader for Population and Community Health at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, will deliver the evening keynote.
Where: Boston Marriott Newton, Newton, MA
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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.