Ok I took your sugguests and I followed them I was wondering I had orginally posted this
Patient safety and promotion of zero medication error are common goals in every healthcare institution. One of the policies that answer the said goals is the "do not" use abbreviation. JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) provides institutions with a list of dangerous abbreviations that should be avoided in clinical documentation. Moreover, the Institute for Safe Medication Practice also promotes the consistent application of not using specified abbreviations to prevent errors. The policy recommends not using abbreviations, symbols and acronyms in medical communication. According to ISMP, abbreviations should never be used in "internal external communication, telephone/verbal prescriptions, computer generated labels, labels for drug storage bins, medication administration records, as well as pharmacy and prescriber computer order entry screens."
The use of the said policy is of great advantage to the healthcare system. First and foremost, it ensures patient safety because of the prevention of errors. Secondly, it promotes safe and efficient communication between the health care team. Studies have shown that the use of abbreviations/ acronyms or symbols in medical communication had been one of the reasons of medication errors. Commonly, abbreviations are misinterpreted that leads to unsafe health practice.
Aside from the available policy from the JCAHO, an extensive written policy regarding the said issue should be researched and accomplished. Corresponding sanctions should also be created if the policy is not followed. An extensive policy will result to better outcomes.
Furthermore, the "do not use abbreviation "policy is not enough to prevent medication errors. Along with the use of the policy, proper information dissemination and adequate education of the health care members should be enhanced. I strongly believe that posting the list of the said abbreviations in nursing units, bulletin boards and the internet is not enough to fully stop errors. Provision of teachings and ensuring that all medical staff are fully oriented and are following the policy are ways to prevent errors due to usage of abbreviations. Also, regular evaluation of the adherence to the policy should also be done. Memos should be given to medical members not following the policy. Strict application of the policy should be implemented so as to prevent lapses in the adherence to the policy.
The JCAHO and the ISMP have taken the big step to reduce errors caused by the use of abbreviations, symbols and acronyms. However, it is important that proper education be given to the health care members and frequent evaluation be done. Additionally, it is also a responsibility of the health team to strictly adhere to the policy. Since the policy was started, it is also recommended that a more extensive and an updated additional written policy be carried out.
My question is do you think I just put any of this into my paper or leave it like this
Patient safety and promotion of zero medication errors are common goals in every healthcare institution. One of the policies that answers these goals is the policy made by JCAHO that was made effective on January 2004. This guideline is the "do not" use abbreviations. JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) provided institutions with a list of dangerous abbreviations that should be avoided in clinical documentation. Examples of problem abbreviation usage are "U" which is used for units; Q.D. and Q.O.D that are commonly interchanged; MgSO4 and MS that are also confused for one another.
In addition, ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practice) also promotes the not using specified abbreviations in order to prevent errors. Their policy recommends not using abbreviations, symbols and acronyms in medical communication.
According to John P. Santell, MS, RPh, dangerous abbreviations and symbols compromise patient care and cause health team members to commit medication errors. Studies have shown that the use of abbreviations/ acronyms or symbols in medical communication have been one of the reasons for medication errors. Commonly used abbreviations are misinterpreted which leads to unsafe health practice. 498 facilities recorded that about 19,000 errors caused by the use of abbreviations. (USP Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety. U.S. Pharmacopeia's MEDMAR ) In addition, these abbreviations should never be used in communicating with other health team members ; i.e. prescriptions, nurse's notes, doctor's order, medication treatment records and medication cards. This action will
ensure patient safety as well as promote safe and efficient communication between the health care team.
To augment the policy from the JCAHO, an extensive written policy regarding this issue should be researched and established. Corresponding sanctions should also be created for those not following the policy. An extensive policy will result to better outcomes. Furthermore, the "do not use abbreviation "policy is not enough to prevent medication errors. Along with the use of the policy, proper information dissemination and adequate education of the health care members should be enhanced. I strongly believe that posting the list of the said abbreviations in nursing units, bulletin boards and the internet is not enough to stop errors. Provision to ensure that all medical staff are given appropriate orientation and are fully aware and are following the policy are ways to prevent errors. Also, regular evaluation of the adherence to the policy should also be done. Memos should be given to medical members not following the policy. Strict application of the policy should be implemented to prevent lapses in the adherence to the policy.
JCAHO, ISMP, other private organizations and hospitals have taken the big step to reduce errors caused by the use of abbreviations, symbols and acronyms. However, we can never be too safe. It is important that proper education be given to all the health care members and frequent evaluation be done. Regular seminars should also be conducted for medical, nursing, and pharmacy staff on the potential for misinterpretation whenever a new drug product is added to the facility's formulary. Additionally, it is also a responsibility of the health team to adhere to the policy. Since the policy was started, it is also recommended that a more extensive and an updated written policy be carried out. These steps will enhance the patient's healthcare
Experience.
.
Thanks so much for your help
I would leave it like that...By George, I think you've got it.!
Both versions of your paper discuss the importance of the "do not use abbreviation" policy in promoting patient safety and preventing medication errors. The first version provides more detailed information about the policy and its implementation, including the specific abbreviations to avoid and the potential consequences of using them. It also emphasizes the need for proper education, dissemination of information, and evaluation of adherence to the policy.
In the second version, you have condensed the information and focused more on the key points. This version still effectively communicates the importance of the policy and the need for additional measures such as education and evaluation.
Both versions are strong, but the first version provides more comprehensive information. Consider your word count limit and the level of detail you want to include in your paper. If you have enough space and you believe the additional details would strengthen your arguments, you may consider going with the first version. However, if you need to be concise and prioritize the key points, the second version could work well too.
Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific requirements and guidelines of your paper, as well as your personal preference for the level of detail you want to provide.