Patient safety remains a priority in 2014

The Joint Commission recently released its National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) for 2014. As in 2013, the NPSG will continue to focus on healthcare safety issues and how to manage and/or eliminate the risk of injury or harm. The goals address patient safety problems that occur in various healthcare settings, including nursing care centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals and behavioral healthcare.

Improving accuracy of patient identification, reducing the risk of healthcare-related infections, fall prevention and more continue to be part of the 2014 NPSG focus.

To support this initiative, the Joint Commission provides resources to help nurses and other healthcare professionals achieve these goals, such as hand hygiene protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.