Center for Patient Safety Funded Projects

Patient Safety Begins With Proper Planning:  An Evaluation of the Relationship Between Hospital Design and Patient Safety
Funding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services  
The UM-JMH Center for Patient Safety is engaged in a study to develop new methods to improve patient safety through the evaluation of the architecture and design of healthcare facilities.  We aim to develop a multi-faceted approach, including the utilization of models of essential patient care units. 

Jackson Memorial Hospital Patient Safety Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration 
Purpose: To create a web-based e-learning program in conjunction with other tools used to teach healthcare professionals about hospital acquired infections (H.A.I.) and how to prevent them.  The program focused on teaching employees new and improved skills while improving the quality of care they provide to their patients.  Click here to view the Hand Hygiene Video.

Medical Reserve Trauma Training: Achieving Optimal Outcomes and Improving Team Performance
Funding Agency: United States Department of Defense 
Purpose: To establish the Medical Reservists Team Training Program in conjunction with the Army Trauma Training Center.  To improve the performance of Army Reservist Medical Teams to accomplish safer patient care and promote a positive safety culture.  Eduardo Salas, PhD and his team are participating in the evaluation of team training exercises conducted at the US Army Trauma Training Center and its impact on teamwork and trauma care.  
 
Near Miss Reporting System
Funding Agency: State of Florida, Florida Patient Safety Corporation
Purpose: To provide a web-based, voluntary near miss collection tool for Florida healthcare professionals in hospitals, surgery centers and birthing centers.  A data analysis is being conducted to evaluate near miss reports to improve patient safety throughout Florida.
To view the reports submitted to the Florida Patient Safety Corporation, please visit:   http://www.floridapatientsafetycorp.com
    
The Effect of Visual Cues on Hand Hygiene
One of the most important methods for combatting illness in hospitals and avoiding hospital-acquired infections is to control the spread of bacteria and viruses transmitted by the hands.  As such, the Center for Patient Safety is currently conducting a study to determine the effect of visual cues on hand hygiene behavior of hospital visitors and hospital staff.  Through this research, the Center hopes to identify more effective ways to increase hand hygience compliance throughout the healthcare environment.
 

The Center for Patient Safety team at the International Society for Simulation in Healthcare conference (2007).