Minnesota Hospital Association CEO Lawrence Massa recently shared his insights on the eighth annual Minnesota Adverse Health Event Report, according to an association news release.
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health released a report that showed the number of reportable adverse events in Minnesota hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and community behavioral health hospitals increased from 305 in 2010 to 316 in 2011. However, the report also showed the number of events resulting in serious injury or death to a patient decreased from 107 in 2010 to 89 in 2011, indicating the lowest level of harm since 2007.
In his statement, Mr. Massa said Minnesota hospitals continue to use the public report to tackle adverse events and improve patient safety. For instance, the 2011 report showed nearly all of the increase can be attributed to increases in two categories: pressure ulcers and wrong procedures.
"This year's higher number of pressure ulcers stems from an increased awareness of how easily pressure ulcers can form around devices such as cervical collars, oxygen tubes and masks. In fact, roughly one-third of reported pressure ulcers are device-related," Mr. Massa said. "That realization has led us to new approaches for inspecting skin beneath devices and new preventive techniques such as using special padding around oxygen tubes to relieve pressure."
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health released a report that showed the number of reportable adverse events in Minnesota hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and community behavioral health hospitals increased from 305 in 2010 to 316 in 2011. However, the report also showed the number of events resulting in serious injury or death to a patient decreased from 107 in 2010 to 89 in 2011, indicating the lowest level of harm since 2007.
In his statement, Mr. Massa said Minnesota hospitals continue to use the public report to tackle adverse events and improve patient safety. For instance, the 2011 report showed nearly all of the increase can be attributed to increases in two categories: pressure ulcers and wrong procedures.
"This year's higher number of pressure ulcers stems from an increased awareness of how easily pressure ulcers can form around devices such as cervical collars, oxygen tubes and masks. In fact, roughly one-third of reported pressure ulcers are device-related," Mr. Massa said. "That realization has led us to new approaches for inspecting skin beneath devices and new preventive techniques such as using special padding around oxygen tubes to relieve pressure."
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