Abstracts » Health

Sleepworking

Article Abstract:

Conferences and studies on medicine performed on night shifts have presented evidence that quality suffers significantly during the night. One study found that 20% more medical errors occur during the night shift than during the morning shift. A NASA study for Stanford University's medical center found that the cause is often sleep deprivation, as doctors generally sleep two hours and 45 minutes longer during the night than during the day. Possible solutions include sanctioned naps, bright lights, team work, and schedule rotations.

Prevention, Medical errors, Night work

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Private accreditation too lax, consumer group charges

Article Abstract:

The consumer advocacy group Public Citizen is calling for federal legislation that would make state governments responsible for inspecting hospitals, instead of leaving the role primarily to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Public Citizen argues that health care officials dominate the commission, and that the organization is too lax in monitoring hospitals. Commission officials say they maintain high standards for hospital care.

Civic and social associations, Other Social Advocacy Organizations, Consumer Groups, Management, Political activity, Licensing, certification and accreditation, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Hospital accreditation, Public Citizen (Washington, D.C.)

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Data urged on quality impact of health workplace change

Article Abstract:

Hospitals have taken pains to assess the impact of new management procedures like patient-focused care on their bottom line, but have been remiss in gauging their effect on clinical quality. That is the conclusion of a study by the Economic Policy Institute. One unspecified West Coast hospital said patient-focused care had saved it $50 million over a five-year period, but despite staff concerns, the institution has just begun to examine quality of care.

Health care reform

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