What is the most cost-effective
post-acute care setting for rehabilitation after a medical or surgical hospital
stay—an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) or a skilled nursing facility
(SNF)? It is widely assumed that
rehabilitative care in an IRF may be more effective because of its
higher-intensity programs, lower lengths of stay, and fewer readmissions. But, is this the full story?
In today’s healthcare environment, ensuring patient safety is more than just a priority — it’s a fundamental component of quality care. Establishing a strong patient safety culture within hospitals and health organizations can dramatically reduce errors, increase patient satisfaction and improve overall healthcare outcomes. But what exactly is a patient safety culture, and how can institutions cultivate it effectively? This blog post explores the five key components that make up a robust patient safety culture, along with insights from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and The Joint Commission. What is patient safety culture? AHRQ defines patient safety culture as how an organization's culture supports and promotes patient safety. This can extend to multiple levels, from individual units to departments to system levels. The AHRQ patient safety culture survey encompasses the shared values, beliefs and norms of healthcare practitioners and staff that...