Publications & Resources

The Joint Commission (JC) issued a clarification reversing its position on the texting of medical orders: “The use of secure text orders is not permitted at this time.”

During care transitions, it is essential to ensure that pertinent information is provided to the individual(s) assuming the care of the patient.

The Joint Commission (JC) has updated its 2011 memo regarding texting orders. It now allows for the immediate use of texting for medical orders providing certain criteria are met.

Efforts are underway by companies who create EHRs to design and implement health IT systems that produce more targeted and relevant alerts to decrease alert fatigue, while still providing beneficial warnings.

Hand hygiene for healthcare professionals and staff in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is a valuable strategy to reduce the spread of infection. But what about patients’ hand hygiene?

In this special issue of Dateline, we review physicians’ medical, ethical and legal obligations to honor individual patient preferences at the end of life.

In addition to concerns for potential contamination from airflow, excessive foot traffic may pose a risk for distraction of the OR staff.

Discharge of a patient from care can be complex, but these patient discharge recommendations provide some guidance.

The personal use of cell phones poses a significant risk in healthcare settings as it may distract physicians and staff from the tasks at hand.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a proposed rule that would reimburse physicians for discussions they have about end-of-life care.