Editorial

Why it matters:

Medication errors are a major cause of patient harm. Hospitals, with limited staff and high workload, must focus on medication safety to avoid adverse events, legal issues, and patient dissatisfaction.

Common Risks in Hospitals:

1.   Illegible handwriting on prescriptions.

2.   Look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) drugs stored close together.

3.   Wrong dose or wrong route due to unclear instructions.

4.   Lack of patient history, especially allergies and drug interactions.

5.   No double-check system for high-risk medications.

Simple Safety Steps:

1.   Use generic names – Avoid confusion with brand names.

2.   Write clear prescriptions – Prefer printed or digital formats.

3.   Store high-risk drugs separately – Label clearly.4.              

4.   Follow 5 Rights before giving any medicine:

1)   Right patient

2)   Right drug

3)   Right dose

4)   Right time

5)   Right route

6)   Right documentation

5.   Educate staff – Regular training on safe medication practices.

6.   Patient education – Explain usage and side effects in simple language.

7.   Label all medicines properly – Including expiry date and dosage.

8.   Double-check all injections and IV medications before administration.

Important High-Risk Drugs (Need Extra Caution):

·       Insulin

·       Heparin

·       Potassium chloride

·       Chemotherapy drugs

·       Narcotics and sedatives

What recommended:

·       Have a standard drug list.

·       Maintain a near-miss register.

·       Conduct periodic audits of prescriptions and administration records.

Conclusion:

Medication safety is not costly, but medication errors can be. With small steps and awareness, even a small hospital can ensure big protection for its patients.

Date: 17.03.2025

Writer: Gadgil PP

In today’s healthcare landscape, corporatization has influenced even nursing homes, pushing them to adopt hospital-style patient management. Here are key practices that nursing homes should adopt to match corporate hospitals.

1. Greet with a Smile

• Always enter the room with a smile and a warm greeting using the patient's name.

• Example: "Good morning, Mr. Sharma! How are you feeling today?"

2. Maintain Eye Contact and Listen Actively

• Make patients feel valued by giving them full attention while speaking.

• Avoid looking at mobile phones or talking casually with colleagues.

3. Ensure Cleanliness and Hygiene

• Check if the patient’s surroundings are clean.

• Ensure that bed linens are fresh and the room smells pleasant.

4. Explain Before Performing Any Task

• Before checking vitals or administering medicines, explain what you are about to do.

• Example: "I am going to check your blood pressure now; it might feel a little tight, but it will be over in a few seconds."

5. Proactively Ask About Comfort

• Ask: “Are you feeling comfortable? Do you need an extra pillow or a blanket?”

• Adjust bed position if needed.

6. Address Pain or Discomfort Promptly

• If a patient is in pain, immediately notify the doctor or provide basic comfort measures.

7. Minimize Noise and Disturbance

• Speak softly and close the door gently.

• Ensure no unnecessary noise from alarms, staff chatter, or equipment.

8. Assist with Small Needs

• Offer to adjust the patient’s table, water jug, or personal belongings.

• Example: “Would you like your phone to be closer?”

9. Provide Timely Updates

• Patients feel anxious when uninformed. If possible, update them about test reports or the doctor’s visit time.

10. Encourage Positivity

• Give reassurance and motivation.

• Example: “You are improving well! Keep up the good spirit.”

11. Ensure Personal Hygiene Support

• Check if the patient needs help with brushing, sponging, or using the washroom.

12. Respect Privacy and Dignity

• Knock before entering, close curtains when examining, and avoid discussing personal health issues loudly.

13. Include Family Members

• Briefly update family about progress and answer their queries politely.

• Example: “Your father’s blood pressure is stable now. Do you have any questions?”

14. Thank the Patient for Cooperation

• Before leaving, say: "Thank you for your patience. Let us know if you need anything."

15. End the Visit on a Positive Note

• Before leaving, ask: “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Date: 17.02.2023

Writer: Gadgil PP

Correctness in patient records is extremely important in healthcare for several reasons:

Accurate diagnosis and treatment: Patient records contain important information about the patient's medical history, medications, allergies, and past treatments. If the information in the record is incorrect, it can lead to an incorrect diagnosis, improper treatment, and potentially dangerous medical errors.

Continuity of care: Patient records are often used by multiple healthcare providers over time. If the information in the record is inaccurate, it can lead to confusion and miscommunication between providers, which can negatively impact the continuity of care.

Legal and financial implications: Inaccurate patient records can lead to legal and financial issues for both patients and healthcare providers. For example, if a patient is given the wrong medication due to an error in their record, they may suffer harm and the healthcare provider may face liability. Additionally, inaccurate records can lead to issues with insurance reimbursement and billing.

Research and public health: Patient records are also used in research to identify trends and patterns in health outcomes. If the information in the records is incorrect, it can negatively impact the accuracy of the research and potentially lead to incorrect public health policies.

In summary, correctness in patient records is crucial for ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment, maintaining continuity of care, avoiding legal and financial issues, and promoting accurate research and public health policies.