The Joint Commission releases 4 ambulatory healthcare national patient safety goals for 2019

The Joint Commission released the 2019 national patient safety goals for ambulatory healthcare.

Here are the key details to know:

1. Identifying patients correctly

● The Joint Commission recommends practices use two methods when identifying patients, such as the patient's name and date of birth.
● When patients get a blood transfusion, practices should make sure the correct patient gets the correct blood.

2. Using medicines safely

● Medications should be labeled before a surgery..
● Clinicians should take extra care with patients who take blood thinning medications.
● Information about the medications a patient is taking should be recorded and passed on. Patients should also know to record and bring their up-to-date list of medications with them on every visit to the practice.

3. Prevent infections

● Follow the CDC's and World Health Organization's guidelines for handwashing, and set goals for improving handwashing practices.

● Use infection control guidelines to prevent infection after surgery.

4. Prevent mistakes during surgery

● Take steps to ensure the correct surgery is being done on the correct patient and in the correct place.

● Mark the correct place on the patient's body where the surgery is to be performed.

● Take a moment to confirm mistakes aren't being made before starting surgery.

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