{"id":5181,"date":"2022-07-06T14:58:42","date_gmt":"2022-07-06T14:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=5181"},"modified":"2023-02-17T16:22:06","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T16:22:06","slug":"patient-safety-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/patient-safety-concerns\/","title":{"rendered":"Patient Safety: 5 Critical Things Nurses Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Patient safety is a top concern for nurses and all medical professionals. Imagine their reactions to the shocking statements found across the internet since a 2016 study by Johns Hopkins patient safety experts suggested medical errors were the third leading cause of death in the United States. Some organizations and researchers have asserted that this statement is an exaggeration founded on data extrapolated from just a handful of small studies. But it\u2019s still disconcerting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, it’s impossible to verify the actual number of deaths directly caused by a medical error<\/a> as there isn\u2019t an established way to collect accurate data. It\u2019s not even an option for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC listed heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19 as the three <\/span>leading causes of death<\/span> in the U.S. in 2020. Although medical errors don\u2019t appear on the list, they do indeed occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

An unfortunate reality of healthcare is that medical errors have always been an issue and may occur more frequently than they should. Even one error that leads to an adverse effect is too many. Nurses play a crucial role in preventing medical mistakes through their diligence to preserve patient safety and prevent harm during short-term and long-term care. Another unfortunate reality is that ongoing <\/span>nursing shortages<\/span><\/a> make it more challenging to ensure the absolute best in patient care and increase the risk of errors.<\/span><\/p>\n

From medication errors to the potential for infections and falls, hospitals are high-risk environments with dangers lurking throughout these facilities. You can prevent errors and accidents that impact patient safety with appropriate safeguards that help reduce injuries, infections, and preventable deaths.\u00a0<\/span>Because nurses maintain a bedside presence, they\u2019re at the forefront of patient safety efforts. As a nurse, you\u2019re in a prime position to catch medical errors before they occur and relay crucial information to doctors. Review these five vital things you should know about patient safety for better overall care.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Understand Top Patient Safety Concerns<\/b><\/h2>\n

One of the best ways to prevent errors and improve patient safety is to be aware of common issues that could impact your patients\u2019 well-being. Without regard to prevalence, some top patient safety concerns and potential causes include:<\/span><\/p>\n