A transition of care is the movement of a patient from one health care setting or provider to another. Examples are: discharge from hospital to home; admission from home to a hospital; or movement from one unit to another within the hospital. Transitions of care typically involve the coordination of care and “hand-off” communication. This is where important information can sometimes be overlooked, missed, or miscommunicated. One study estimated […]

Health care associated infections (HAIs) are among the most common complications of being a patient in a hospital. On average 247 people die every day as a result of HAIs, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). At the University of Vermont Medical Center, the Office […]

As we celebrate National Patient Safety Week, I remember the experience of when one of my family members was the patient. From the lens of a family member you gain a different appreciation for the absolute importance that each member of the team has to assure patients receive optimal care in a safe environment. Patient […]

National Patient Safety Awareness Week is the time to pause and recognize that patients, families, and patient safety are central to everything we do. We come to our roles in health care by different paths, but we all share the common goal of helping others. Our intention in the work that we do, or the […]

Sunday, November 20 has been designated by The World Health Organization and the United Nations as the “World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims.” But any day is an opportunity to promote global recognition of the many millions killed or injured in road crashes each year, and their families and communities. It’s also a chance […]