As 2017 draws to a close and the winter holiday season is upon us, we pause here at Courtemanche & Associates to reflect on what an exciting and busy year 2017 has been. While there were lots of changes in the regulatory and accreditation world, we also recognize that the messaging has been consistent... keeping our patients and staff safe and free from infections.
Much of the work this past year has focused us on the basics:
1. Following the instructions for use
2. Reading and following the manufacturer's recommendations
3. Teaching our staff how to practice safely.
These are especially true when we talk about how we use and clean equipment. Ensuring our staff education and policies and procedures reflect the manufacturer's guidelines is essential and when coupled with assessing staff's ability to use, clean and manage the equipment helps to drive us closer to Zero Harm.
As 2018 approaches, be certain to place these items on your To Do List:
- Update your leadership team on the new TJC survey report format. Detailed information is contained in the December issue of Perspectives.
- Make certain your Emergency Management Plan and procedures are up to date based upon the new requirements that took effect November 15th.
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