Survey: physicians see obstacles to patient safety improvements
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
May 9, 2007
Physicians who completed the American College of Physician Executives' (ACPE) 2007 Quality of Care Survey said they saw several obstacles to improving patient safety. One commenter said his or her hospital reused disposable equipment as a way to save money, according to an ACPE press release.
The major obstacles cited include:
- Lack of resources and money
- Patient compliance and awareness of healthy habits
- Poor communication among physicians, nurses and paraprofessionals
- A desire to maintain the status quo
Other responses outlined instances in which hospital executives asked physicians to err on the side of admission rather than discharge as a way to increase revenue. The additional admissions tie up hospital beds and reduce patient flow, which reduces patient safety.
