a safe system include (a) complex
and risk-prone systems; (b) a lack of
comprehensive verbal, written, and
electronic communication systems;
(c) tolerance of stylistic practices
wherein providers do it their way;
(d) a lack of standardization of practices;
(e) fear of punishment that
inhibits reporting; and (f) a lack of
ownership for patient safety (IOM,
1999). Without an awareness of the
sources of these barriers, nurse leaders
at the bedside are less likely to
identify safety issues.
Essential knowledge about the
NPSGs begins with a brief history of
the development of the NPSGs and
Sentinel Event Alerts (The Joint
Commission, 2014). With insight
about the configuration of each
NPSG, nurses can identify specific
directives for patient care. By recognizing
updated NPSGs are published
annually and knowing variation
exists in the listed goals from
year to year, nurses can be certain
they are knowledgeable about current
required health care strategies
and universal protocols. [Rate your
knowledge about the NPSGs.]
Core Measures and Hospital
Consumer Assessment of
Healthcare Providers and
Systems (HCAHPS)
Core Measures (The Joint Commission,
2015) and HCAHPS (2015)
are quality initiatives focused on
quality patient care and an understanding
of what patients really
want from providers. Patients want
care that is patient-centered, safe,
effective, efficient, timely, and equitable.
They also want providers who
listen without interrupting, are
truthful, and explain care clearly and
fully. Patients want providers to collaborate
with other team members
so messages are consistent between
the patient and all providers, thus
ensuring care will be coordinated
and flow smoothly (Anderson,
Barbara, & Feidman, 2007).
To ensure consumers’ expectations
are met, hospitals are ranked
on the process of care (Core
Measures) and patient satisfaction
(HCAHPS); these rankings are available
to consumers. To foster positive
rankings, clinical leaders must