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
understand relationships between
(a) the Core Measures set and evidence-based
care, (b) patient-centered
care behaviors and consumer
comparisons, and (c) published hospital
rankings and financial incentives
for hospitals (CMS, 2013).
Nurse leaders who are cognizant of
HCAHPS patient satisfaction questions
will structure care so patients
need are met and patient satisfaction
is high. Finally, clinical leaders
are very aware of the Value-Based
Purchasing Program (CMS, 2013)
and its relationship to hospital payment
for patient care services. [Rate
your knowledge about Core Measures
and HCAHPS.]