Ways to Reduce Medical-related Harm
According to The National Quality Forum (NQF), medical-related harm has risen from the eighth leading cause of death in United States, to the third leading cause since 1999. In a recently published report, The Safe Practices for Better Healthcare – 2010 Update, the NQF acknowledges that while medical-harm is never intentional, instances of harm can almost always be avoided. The Safe Practices for Better Healthcare – 2010 Update, identifies 34 practices effective in reducing the occurrence of medical-related harm. Included within the list are actions relating to medication management and the prevention of healthcare infections. More information is available from the NQF’s website.
