Case Study, Chapter 14, Medical Errors: An Ongoing Threat To Quality Health Care

A nurse manager is reviewing occurrence reports of medical errors over the last six months. The nurse manager knows that medical errors are not the only indicator of quality of care. They are, however, a pervasive problem in the current health care system and one of the greatest threats to quality health care. The nurse manager is putting together a list of possible solutions to decrease the number of occurrences of medication errors.

1. Recognizing that health care errors affect at least one in every 10 patients around the world, the World Health Organizations World Alliance for Patient Safety and the Collaborating Centre identified priority program areas related to patient safety. What are the patient safety program areas the nurse manager should consider for implementation?

2. Describe the Joint Commission 2017 National Patient Safety Goals for Hospitals.

3. Discuss the Institute of Medicines four-pronged approach to reducing medical mistakes?