International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care
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Recently, quality tools have been promoted to improve patient safety and process efficiency in healthcare. While surgeons primarily focused on surgical issues, like infection rates or implant design, we introduced pre-admission and preoperative checklists in the early 2000s. ⋯ The introduction of checklists alone did not in itself guarantee an improved workflow. The introduction must be accompanied by other measures, like written standards and regular training of employees. Otherwise, the positive effect wears off quickly. Nevertheless, we could show that the stringent application of quality tools can induce a sustainable change. Our data further suggest that the clear and traceable delegation of responsibilities is of high importance.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Sep 2016
Vital signs monitoring on general wards: clinical staff perceptions of current practices and the planned introduction of continuous monitoring technology.
Early detection of patient deterioration and prevention of adverse events are key challenges to patient safety. This study investigated clinical staff perceptions of current monitoring practices and the planned introduction of continuous monitoring devices on general wards. ⋯ While continuous monitoring devices were seen as a potentially positive tool to support the identification of patient deterioration, drawbacks, such as the potential for reduced patient contact, revealed key areas that will require close surveillance following the implementation of devices. Training and improved interdisciplinary communication were identified as key requisites for successful implementation.