Winner of the Basis of Medicine Award in the BMA Book Medical Book Competition 2006! In many countries, during the last decade there has been a growing public realization that healthcare organisations are often dangerous places to be. Reports published in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the USA have served to focus public and policy attention on the safety of patients and to highlight the alarmingly high incidence of errors and adverse events that lead to some kind of harm or injury. This book presents a research-based perspective on patient safety, drawing together the most recent ideas and thinking from researchers on how to research and understand patient safety issues, and how research findings are used to shape policy and practice. The book examines key issues, including: Analysis and measurement of patient safety Approaches to improving patient safety Future policy and practice regarding patient safety The legal dimensions of patient safety Patient Safety is essential reading for researchers, policy makers and practitioners involved in, or interested in, patient safety. The book is also of interest to the growing number of postgraduate students on health policy and health management programmes that focus upon healthcare quality, risk management and patient safety. Contributors: Sally Adams, Tony Avery, Maureen Baker, Paul Beatty, Ruth Boaden, Tanya Claridge, Gary Cook, Caroline Davy, Susan Dovey, Aneez Esmail, Rachel Finn, Martin Fletcher, Sally Giles, John Hickner, Rachel Howard, Amanda Howe, Michael A. Jones, Sue Kirk, Rebecca Lawton, Martin Marshall, Caroline Morris, Dianne Parker, Shirley Pearce, Bob Phillips, Steve Rogers, Richard Thomson, Charles Vincent, Kieran Walshe, Justin Waring, Alison Watkin, Fiona Watts, Liz West, Maria Woloshynowych.

This book provides readers with both a foundation of theoretical knowledge regarding patient safety as well as evidence-based strategies for preventing errors in various clinical settings. The authorsí goal is to help clinicians and administrators gain the skills and knowledge they need to develop safe patient practices in their organizations. Key topics include: An overview of evidence-based best practices for patient safety Clear explanation of important patient safety policies and legislation Innovative uses of technology such as computerized provider order entry, barcoding medications, and computerized clinical decision support systems The importance of an informed patient in preventing medical errors How to communicate with the public and the patient about errors if they occur Special patient safety concerns for children, the elderly, and the mentally ill

This book helps the next generation of doctors understand how to contribute to making healthcare safer. Patient safety is increasingly important in medical practice today and is becoming a core part of training for medical students and foundation doctors. This book will enable the student or junior doctor to challenge and innovate in practice to improve patient safety and care. It takes a practical approach and explores what patient safety is, why it is important, how to involve patients, the role of education, technology and resources, how to be an innovative practitioner and measuring the impact of patient safety initiatives.

Medical and health activities can greatly benefit from the effective use of health informatics. By capturing, processing, and disseminating information to the correct systems and processes, decision-making can be more successful and quality care and patient safety would see significant improvements. The Handbook of Research on Patient Safety and Quality Care through Health Informatics highlights current research and trends from both professionals and researchers on health informatics as applied to the needs of patient safety and quality care. Bringing together theory and practical approaches for patient needs, this book is essential for educators and trainers at multiple experience levels in the fields of medicine and medical informatics.

When you are ready to implement measures to improve patient safety, this is the book to consult. Charles Vincent, one of the world's pioneers in patient safety, discusses each and every aspect clearly and compellingly. He reviews the evidence of risks and harms to patients, and he provides practical guidance on implementing safer practices in health care. The second edition puts greater emphasis on this practical side. Examples of team based initiatives show how patient safety can be improved by changing practices, both cultural and technological, throughout whole organisations. Not only does this benefit patients; it also impacts positively on health care delivery, with consequent savings in the economy. Patient Safety has been praised as a gateway to understanding the subject. This second edition is more than that – it is a revelation of the pervading influence of health care errors, and a guide to how these can be overcome. "... The beauty of this book is that it describes the complexity of patient safety in a simple coherent way and captures the breadth of issues that encompass this fascinating field. The author provides numerous ways in which the reader can take this subject further with links to the international world of patient safety and evidence based research... One of the most difficult aspects of patient safety is that of implementation of safer practices and sustained change. Charles Vincent, through this book, provides all who read it clear examples to help with these challenges" From a review in Hospital Medicine by Dr Suzette Woodward, Director of Patient Safety. Access 'Essentials of Patient Safety – Free Online Introduction': www.wiley.com/go/vincent/patientsafety/essentials

Examines the newest scientific advances in the science of safety.

This comprehensive book takes a psychological perspective on patient safety. It is based on the most recent theoretical and empirical research evidence from psychology (including clinical, work, and organizational psychology) and adjacent social and behavioral sciences such as human factors. Factors that influence safety-related experiences, behaviors, and outcomes of patients and professionals working in clinical settings such as medical practices and hospitals are reviewed, structured, and critically evaluated. Consistent with the complexity of the topic, the author takes a multi-level approach to patient safety, which includes a review of individual, team, and organizational factors and outcomes. The book describes how these factors, by themselves and in combination, can facilitate or impede patient safety. Individual factors include safety-relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, and personality traits such as conscientiousness and emotional stability. Team factors include group communication, training, and leadership. Finally, organizational factors include the safety culture and climate. Throughout the book, different evidence-based intervention programs are described that can help practitioners promote patient safety and prevent accidents. The book is a valuable resource for both researchers and practitioners interested in understanding, maintaining, and improving patient safety in a variety of applied settings. It is based on the most up-to-date research evidence from psychology and neighboring disciplines, and it is written in a clear and non-technical language understandable for a wide audience.