Partnering With Patients to Reduce Medical Errors

Reviews

JANUARY 2007, VOL 85, NO 1

helpful to anyone anticipating or experiencing the loss of a loved one. For nurses, an additional bonus is that the book gives us information to pass on to the families in our care who lose a loved one, and we could certainly refer them to this book with confidence. The only aspect of this book that nearly resulted in my not reading it was the preface, written by Frank B. Stewart, Jr. Reading it was like having to endure a longwinded sermon that eases you to sleep. I would encourage those to whom this book is recommended to skip the preface completely. This book is available from Writeriffic, PO Box 524, Carlsbad, CA 92018. HELEN STARBUCK PASHLEY RN, MA, CNOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AORN JOURNAL DENVER

Partnering With Patients to Reduce Medical Errors Patrice L. Spath, ed 2004, 198 pages $45 AORN members special price/$75 nonmembers hardcover In an era of rapid employee turnover, fast-paced medical systems, increased employee overtime, and a push to improve the bottom line in health care, the concern for patient safety is becoming ever more

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paramount. In this book, the author provides a timely and concise case for patient safety. This book is a quintessential read for those working in the health care environment of the twenty-first century. The author creates a comprehensive view of patient safety by providing perspectives from numerous professionals (eg, health information managers, physicians, RNs, attorneys). She walks readers through the issue of patient safety as viewed by patients as well as nurses, physicians, and other caregivers. Opportunities for improving patient safety are addressed from all viewpoints, and organizational commitment to patient safety is identified as the key in making it effective. Practical recommendations from the author include making efforts to decrease paternalism, embrace the patient’s culture, and speak the patient’s language. One chapter is devoted to liability, and it is helpful in addressing issues such as preand postevent communication. Sample letters are included as tools for readers, and an extensive list of resources regarding health care safety is provided as well. The author ends this interesting book by focusing on the patient’s involvement in patient safety. The pros and cons of patients’ involvement in their safety are addressed in

an objective and meaningful fashion. Practical implications of patient safety include open communication between staff members and patients and their family members, along with patient involvement in safety committees. The ultimate goal is enhanced patient safety with minimal variances. Practical strategies are provided, as well as benchmark examples for measuring success. Practical strategies for patients include providing feedback about their experience, filling out departmental surveys, and communicating safety concerns and variances to the health care facility. The bottom line is that everyone bears the responsibility for patient safety, including patients. Empowering patients to take charge and take a leadership role in their care will result in a safer health care environment. Today’s health care professionals will find this book a necessary companion. This book is available from Health Forum, One N Franklin St, 28th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606. To purchase this book at the special price of $45, AORN members must use order number CNO-181202 when ordering the book. ELIZABETH BATTALORA RN, MSN, CNOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NURSING LOUISIANA COLLEGE PINEVILLE, LA