#patient safety at home

[martinloren]

How to Implement Patient Safety Measures at Home with Home Nursing Services

Implementing patient safety measures at home with the support of home nursing services involves collaboration between professional caregivers, patients, and their families.

Here are the steps to ensure a safe and effective home care environment:

1. Initial Assessment by Home Nursing Services

Comprehensive Evaluation: The home nurse conducts an initial assessment of the patient’s health status, home environment, and specific needs.

Safety Audit: Identify potential hazards and make recommendations to address them.

2. Develop a Customized Care Plan

Personalized Care Plan: Create a care plan tailored to the patient's medical conditions, physical abilities, and daily routines.

Incorporate Safety Measures: Include specific safety protocols in the care plan, such as fall prevention strategies, medication management, and emergency procedures.

3. Medication Management

Professional Oversight: The home nurse oversees medication administration, ensuring correct dosages and schedules.

Education: Educate the patient and family on proper medication storage and potential side effects.

4. Fall Prevention

Environmental Modifications: Implement recommendations from the safety audit, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, and ensuring adequate lighting.

Assistive Devices: Provide and train the patient in using mobility aids like walkers or canes.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Plan: Develop a detailed emergency plan, including escape routes and contact information for healthcare providers.

Medical Alert Systems: Set up medical alert systems for immediate assistance in case of an emergency.

6. Infection Control

Hygiene Protocols: Establish strict hygiene protocols, including regular handwashing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the nurse, and routine disinfection of surfaces.

Education: Teach the patient and family members about infection prevention techniques.

7. Nutrition and Hydration

Dietary Management: The home nurse assists in planning and preparing balanced meals, ensuring the patient receives proper nutrition.

Hydration Monitoring: Regularly monitor the patient’s fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

8. Physical Therapy and Mobility

Rehabilitation Exercises: The home nurse can guide the patient through prescribed physical therapy exercises.

Safe Transfer Techniques: Train family members in safe transfer techniques to prevent injuries.

9. Mental and Emotional Support

Emotional Well-being: The home nurse provides companionship and emotional support, helping to address any feelings of isolation or anxiety.

Mental Health Resources: Connect the patient with mental health professionals if needed.

10. Regular Monitoring and Communication

Routine Check-ups: Schedule regular visits by the home nurse to monitor the patient’s health and adjust the care plan as necessary.

Communication: Maintain open lines of communication between the nurse, patient, and family to promptly address any concerns or changes in the patient’s condition.

11. Education and Training

Family Training: The home nurse educates family members on the patient’s condition, care techniques, and safety measures.

Patient Education: Ensure the patient understands their care plan, medications, and safety protocols.

12. Use of Technology

Telehealth: Utilize telehealth services for remote consultations and monitoring.

Monitoring Devices: Implement health monitoring devices, such as blood pressure monitors or glucose meters, to track the patient’s condition.

13. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Patient Rights: Ensure the patient’s rights and confidentiality are respected.

Advance Directives: Discuss and document any advance directives or living wills.

By integrating home nursing services into the patient’s care plan, you can enhance the implementation of safety measures and provide a higher level of care. Regular assessments, professional oversight, and continuous communication are key to maintaining a safe and supportive home environment.

[sherlock-is-ace]

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[alwaysbewoke]

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[viktorbf]

no cause i thought abt the talk i had with this gender psychologist or whtever the hell she is and got so mad again

[yrrtyrrtwhenihrrthrrt]

In light of Brian Thompson being shot dead on my birthday (🎉🥳🎂) I'd like to share a personal story about UnitedHealthcare.

During the peak of COVID, my family all got sick. I couldn't be on my parents' insurance because they were both older and on Medicare. So, I had insurance through my University: UnitedHealthcare.

For some reason, rather than roll-over each year, I got a new plan each year that ended after May and didn't start until August, so I was uninsured for the summer months, but it was a weird situation that the university denied, and told us we were supposed to be insured year-round, it was messy.

Both of my parents went to the hospital, and I got sick too. I had to take care of my pets, and myself, and try to stay alive and keep my pets alive when I was so weak I could hardly move. When my parents came home, my condition got dramatically worse (I think my body knew it couldn't give out, because there was nobody to take care of me, so once my parents were okay, it completely crashed and failed.)

I started experiencing emergency symptoms. It was a bit hard to breathe, my chest hurt, and I was extremely delirious. I wanted to call my insurance to see if I was covered (this was during the summer) and I was connected to some nice person, probably making minimum wage, who told me with caution in her voice that my plan was expired. I had no active insurance, but she urged me to go to an emergency room. I remember saying something to the effect of "You just told me I don't have insurance, I can't go to the hospital, I can't afford it."

She sounded so genuinely worried and scared. I remember she said "You really don't sound good, you sound really sick, please call 9-1-1" and I think I just said "I can't afford it without insurance, don't worry, I think I'll be okay."

And she paused and said "I don't want to hang up the phone with you like this." And it sounded like she was holding back tears. And I don't remember what I said, I think that I would be okay, and I hung up.

I still think about her. I wonder if that phone call haunted her, or if she had dozens of calls like that a day. I wonder if she thinks about it at all, if she wonders if I died after she told me I didn't have insurance and therefore couldn't go to the hospital without incurring a tremendous financial burden. I wonder if she feels guilt or blame-- of course she shouldn't, it wouldn't have been her fault if anything had happened to me. Maybe it's self-centered to wonder if she thinks about it. I'm not the main character and it was just her job. But, still.

I think about how evil it was that we were put in that situation. Because offering year-long continuous coverage through the university plan would maybe cut into profits, maybe not benefit shareholders enough, maybe cut into Thompson's $10 million salary. While his minimum wage administrators have to feel afraid to hang up the phone, because on the other line someone might be dying, and they wouldn't know. While his patients hang up and decide to take their chances rather than put their family through that trauma.

This is UnitedHealthcare. This is Brian Thompson's legacy. This is why, understandably, an entire nation is jubilant that he was gunned down like the vermin he was. I don't care about his widow. I feel pity for his children, despite the fact that they will inherit millions, but I feel more pity for the children of his victims patients who are gone because they didn't want THEIR children to inherit crippling debt. Brian Thompson got what he fucking deserved. I pray that he not be the only one. I pray for continued safety, peace , and anonymity for his killer.

American healthcare is a disease.

[silverbirdhomecareservicesllc]

For many seniors and individuals with disabilities, keeping up with medications can be a challenge. That’s where professional in-home care services can make a significant difference.

[medicalweightloss100]

Preventing Injuries with Real-Time Wearable Technology

Real-time wearable technology is transforming injury prevention and patient care, offering unprecedented insights into human movement and health risks. These intelligent devices, equipped with advanced sensors and AI, continuously track biomechanical signals to help healthcare professionals anticipate and prevent potential injuries. One critical application is addressing pressure injuries—a persistent challenge that impacts patient quality of life and hospital costs.

Traditional preventive measures like frequent patient turning are often inconsistently followed due to the physical demands on nursing staff. Wearable technology sensors now emerge as a game-changing solution, providing continuous monitoring and proactive intervention strategies that traditional methods cannot match.

Key Findings:

1. Real-Time Interventions: Wearable technology sensors offer real-time feedback to ensure patients are turned on schedule. These devices monitor patient movement and positioning, alerting nursing staff immediately if a patient hasn’t been repositioned or if the turn angle isn’t sufficient to relieve pressure. This real-time capability enables prompt corrective actions, directly preventing injuries.

2. Enhanced Compliance: With sensors in place, compliance with turning protocols skyrockets. Studies show increases from as low as 15% to over 80%, reducing the manual effort of tracking patient repositioning.

3. Fewer Injuries: Real-time monitoring has led to a reduction in hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) by up to 70%. Patients are safeguarded against severe complications like deep tissue damage.

4. Economic Benefits: Hospitals benefit financially, saving an estimated $6,621 per patient by avoiding pressure injuries. This makes wearable sensors a cost-effective addition to patient care.

5. Improved Teamwork: Sensors encourage better communication and collaboration among nursing staff. They distribute the responsibility of turning patients more evenly, fostering teamwork.

Hospitals Leading the Way

Several hospitals have successfully implemented wearable sensor technology, demonstrating its effectiveness:

Stanford Health Care: A trial in two intensive care units showed a 73% reduction in HAPIs and improved adherence to turning protocols.

A Magnet Hospital in California: Turning compliance jumped from 67% to 95%, and sacrococcygeal HAPIs were reduced by 84.6%.

A Long-Term Acute Care Hospital in New Jersey: Achieved an 85% reduction in sacrococcygeal HAPIs with an average adherence to turning protocols of 87.3%.

A Medical Center in Pennsylvania: Over a year, this facility nearly doubled the national average for turn protocol adherence (90%) and reduced HAPIs by 67%.

These examples highlight how wearable sensors are revolutionizing care across various healthcare settings.

Challenges and Opportunities:

While wearable technology sensors excel in ensuring timely interventions, they don’t automatically improve the quality of turns (e.g., the precise angle needed to relieve pressure). Additionally, nursing teams need adequate training to fully leverage this technology and integrate it seamlessly into care routines.

Real-Time Innovations in Action:

The real-time intervention capability of these sensors is their standout feature. By promptly notifying caregivers, the sensors ensure no patient is left at risk for extended periods. Some devices even provide visual or auditory cues to further reinforce timely actions, making them a proactive tool in patient safety.

The Way Forward:

Wearable sensors are not a stand-alone solution but a vital component of a comprehensive prevention program. When paired with strategies like regular skin assessments and nutritional support, these devices can revolutionize how hospitals address pressure injuries.

Real-time fall prevention is a critical priority for hospitals and nursing homes. Discover how OK2StandUP is transforming patient safety and making a meaningful impact. Visit us at www.ok2standup.com to learn more.

[prideandliving]

Affordable Home Care: Quality Health, No Compromise

Access to affordable home care is essential for individuals seeking quality healthcare solutions. With the rising costs of medical services, many families are exploring home care services in Fridley, Minnesota, to ensure their loved ones receive the support they need without breaking the bank. Here’s why affordable home care is crucial for maintaining health and well-being:

Learn more: https://www.pridenlivinginc.com/affordable-home-care-quality-health-no-compromise

[perfecthandshealthcaregroupllc]

When selecting home care services, nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of your loved ones. Background checks play a critical role in ensuring that the healthcare professionals providing care are not only qualified but also trustworthy. At Perfect Hands Healthcare Group, LLC., we prioritize thorough screenings to protect your family and provide peace of mind.

[7sistershomecare]

Handling aggressive behavior in dementia patients can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can manage these situations effectively. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate these difficult moments:

[mohammedaldeeb]

⏰Hello everyone once again⏰,

I would like to introduce myself again😃…

I am Dr. Mohamed Al-Deeb, and I used to work as an ER doctor💉🩸🩺 at Al-Shifa Medical Complex. 🩹🫁🫀

But I was forced, along with my family, to flee south😣,

leaving behind my home🫀, memories😔, and the workplace 😓that held so many beautiful recollections with my colleagues.😞

This war has affected us deeply, destroying us internally and exhausting us physically😩, mentally😓, and financially😢.

We left our home—a five-story building😔that now no longer exists💔😭, completely reduced to rubble.

That beautiful home held the memories of my childhood🧡, cherished days with my siblings, family, and the warm, joyful gatherings that are now nothing but echoes.💛💚💙❤

Today, I am displaced in the city of Deir al-Balah, 😔

living in a tent that lacks even the most basic necessities.😭😭

It doesn’t protect us from the heat of summer😪 or the cold of winter😫.

Yet, this hasn’t stopped me from fulfilling my duty✋, both humanitarian and moral, to serve my patients🤟💛.

I have not left them even for a day, not hesitating for a moment to provide care, whether at the Martyrs of Al-Aqsa Hospital 🩸or the European Hospital.🩺

I deeply feel the suffering of these patients🥺, who have lost everything and have only their health left to cling to😥.

I only wish that this nightmare would end🥺🙏💜.

After an entire year of this devastation, all that remains for me is my small family🙏💐,

and my hope is to protect them from the ravages of this war and to live in peace and safety—perhaps even far from this land🥺❤.

I humbly ask for your help in any way possible🙏💜🖤.

Thank you.💚

Dr. Mohamed Al-Deeb-from gaza strip

[reasonsforhope]

"The first modern attempt at transferring a uterus from one human to another occurred at the turn of the millennium. But surgeons had to remove the organ, which had become necrotic, 99 days later. The first successful transplant was performed in 2011 — but even then, the recipient wasn’t immediately able to get pregnant and deliver a baby. It took three more years for the first person in the world with a transplanted uterus to give birth. 

More than 70 such babies have been born globally in the decade since. “It’s a complete new world,” said Giuliano Testa, chief of abdominal transplant at Baylor University Medical Center.

Almost a third of those babies — 22 and counting — have been born in Dallas at Baylor. On Thursday, Testa and his team published a major cohort study in JAMA analyzing the results from the program’s first 20 patients. All women were of reproductive age and had no uterus (most having been born without one), but had at least one functioning ovary. Most of the uteri came from living donors, but two came from deceased donors.

Fourteen women had successful transplants, all of whom were able to have at least one baby.  

“That success rate is extraordinary, and I want that to get out there,” said Liza Johannesson, the medical director of uterus transplants at Baylor, who works with Testa and co-authored the study. “We want this to be an option for all women out there that need it.”

Six patients had transplant failures, all within two weeks of the procedure. Part of the problem may have been a learning curve: The study initially included only 10 patients, and five of the six with failed transplants were in that first group. These were “technical” failures, Testa said, involving aspects of the surgery such as how surgeons connected the organ’s blood vessels, what material was used for sutures, and selecting a uterus that would work well in a transplant. 

The team saw only one transplant fail in the second group of 10 people, the researchers said. All 20 transplants took place between September 2016 and August 2019.

Only one other cohort study has previously been published on uterus transplants, in 2022. A Swedish team, which included Johannesson before she moved to Baylor, performed seven successful transplants out of nine attempts. Six women, including the first transplant recipient to ever deliver a baby back in 2014, gave birth.

“It’s hard to extract data from that, because they were the first ones that did it,” Johannesson said. “This is the first time we can actually see the safety and efficacy of this procedure properly.”

So far, the signs are good: High success rates for transplants and live births, safe and healthy children so far, and early signs that immunosuppressants — typically given to transplant recipients so their bodies don’t reject the new organ — may not cause long-term harm, the researchers said. (The uterine transplants are removed after recipients no longer need them to deliver children.) And the Baylor team has figured out how to identify the right uterus for transfer: It should be from a donor who has had a baby before, is premenopausal, and, of course, who matches the blood type of the recipient, Testa said...

“They’ve really embraced the idea of practicing improvement as you go along, to understand how to make this safer or more effective. And that’s reflected in the results,” said Jessica Walter, an assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who co-authored an editorial on the research in JAMA...

Walter was a skeptic herself when she first learned about uterine transplants. The procedure seemed invasive and complicated. But she did her fellowship training at Penn Medicine, home to one of just four programs in the U.S. doing uterine transplants. 

“The firsts — the first time the patient received a transplant, the first time she got her period after the transplant, the positive pregnancy test,” Walter said. “Immersing myself in the science, the patients, the practitioners, and researchers — it really changed my opinion that this is science, and this is an innovation like anything else.” ...

Many transgender women are hopeful that uterine transplants might someday be available for them, but it’s likely a far-off possibility. Scientists need to rewind and do animal studies on how a uterus might fare in a different “hormonal milieu” before doing any clinical trials of the procedure with trans people, Wagner said.

Among cisgender women, more long-term research is still needed on the donors, recipients, and the children they have, experts said.

“We want other centers to start up,” Johannesson said. “Our main goal is to publish all of our data, as much as we can.”"

-via Stat, August 16, 2024

[comfortcovenanthomecarellc]

As our loved ones age, ensuring their comfort and safety becomes a top priority. For families in need of home care services in Peoria, Arizona, navigating the options can feel overwhelming. However, with the right support, aging at home can be a viable and fulfilling option.

[ablehelpershomecare]

Safe and Comfortable Living with Live-In Care

Creating a safe and comfortable home environment for your loved ones is crucial for their well-being and peace of mind. Opting for live-in care can significantly enhance their quality of life, especially when it comes to home health care in Nashville, Tennessee. With a dedicated caregiver living in your home, you can ensure that your family member receives the personalized attention they need around the clock.

Learn More: https://www.ablehelpershomecare.com/safe-and-comfortable-living-with-live-in-care

[homehealthinc]

Ensuring a safe home environment is crucial for individuals receiving medical social services at home. Here are essential home safety measures and how medical social services can contribute.