Innovative Safety Programs Protecting Nurses, Staff and Patients

Hospital staff members across the country are focusing on safety in the day-to-day operation of their facilities. Safety is a broad subject, because the possibility of dangerous people coming into hospitals is often considered to be a big city problem. Below are examples of three hospitals who have implemented three diverse safety measurements.

Communications Badges at Mayo Regional Hospital, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

MRH issued each one a Vocera communications badge a small, wireless device that can clip to the user’s apparel or lanyard. The badge weighs less than two ounces, is voice-controlled and allows users to instantly communicate with each other, whether down the hall or elsewhere in the hospital.

Fast-track Team at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan

One of a number of successful safety efforts in place at the 1,061-bed Beaumont-Royal Oak Hospital is the multi-disciplinary “fast-track team” that communicates daily at a prescribed time via conference call. In operation for the past 18 months, the team’s focus is patient safety and quality improvement.

Critical Care Outreach Nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital, Ft. Collins, Colorado

The hospital implemented a pilot program for a critical care outreach nurse (CCORN). The CCORN functions as an expert, rapid-response resource.  If a bedside nurse thinks a patient may be deteriorating, the CCORN can be summoned. The team empowers and supports bedside nurses by providing nursing consultations that incorporate evaluation and/or intervention before the patient’s condition becomes critical. The team is available 24/7 to assist in providing the best care in the most appropriate setting, including working with the primary physician to move the patient to a higher level of care prior to the condition worsening, when necessary.”

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