COMMENTARY

Rationalizing the clinical use of frozen plasma
March 15, 2010

Rationalizing the clinical use of frozen plasmaMuch of the clinical use of frozen plasma lacks objective evidence to support its value, especially in correcting trivial abnormalities in coagulation function in patients in whom there is no bleeding. Furthermore, frozen plasma contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality resulting from transfusion of blood components. Full article

Strategies to decrease rate of preventable readmission to hospital
March 8, 2010

Strategies to decrease rate of preventable readmission to hospitalHospital readmissions are expensive, common and often preventable. The LACE Index can be used with several other existing tools to identify preventable readmissions. However, a multidisciplinary approach, ranging from strategies to improve quality to payment incentives, may be needed to sustain a decrease in the number of readmissions. Full article

RESEARCH: Derivation and validation of an index to predict early death or unplanned readmission after discharge from hospital

Good prescribing: better systems and prescribers needed
March 8, 2010

Good prescribing: better systems and prescribers neededPrescribing often falls short of the ideal of being safe, effective, cost-effective and patient-centred. Interventions targeted at individual prescribers and the systems in which they work can help to improve prescribing. Important approaches include undergraduate and postgraduate education, local formularies, incentive schemes, review and feedback on prescribing, and computerized physician order entry with decision support. Full article

RESEARCH: The TEAM study
RESEARCH: Effect of point-of-care computer reminders on physician behaviour: a systematic review

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EDITORIAL

Driving retirement program for seniors: long overdue
March 15, 2010

Just as planning for job retirement is the social norm, we should be planning for driving retirement by creating programs to help seniors drive safely for as long as possible and, when they can’t, to help them get around. Full article

No more dithering on e-health: let’s keep patients safe instead
March 1, 2010

Our slow progress on electronic health records should act as a call to action. An electronic health record system with access for everyone — family physicians, consultants, pharmacists, hospitals, managers and researchers — will save lives and improve health outcomes. Canadians deserve nothing less. Full article

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SALON

To err is human — and let’s not forget it

To err is human — and let’s not forget it
March 15, 2010

The US Institutes of Medicine’s 1999 report on patient safety prompted widespread systemic changes, but the focus was restricted to the obvious and tangible. Patient safety expert Dr. Pat Croskerry argues that human factors must also be addressed. Full article

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