Medical Staff

Survey: physicians cite obstacles to improving patient safety

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, May 16, 2007

A recent survey conducted by the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) uncovered hurdles that physicians say deter them from improving patient safety at their organizations. One respondent said his or her hospital reused disposable equipment as a way to save money, according to an ACPE press release.

Major obstacles to patient safety revealed in the 2007 Quality of Care Survey include:

·          Lack of resources and money

·          Patient compliance and lack of awareness of healthy habits

·          Poor communication among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals

·          A general desire among patients to maintain the status quo

Yet another respondent described an instance in which hospital executives asked physicians to err on the side of admission rather than discharge as a way to increase revenue. The additional admissions tie up hospital beds and reduce patient flow, which reduces patient safety.

To read the press release, go to www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-02-2007/0004578757&EDATE=

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