Patient Safety Authority Supports National Patient Safety Day

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jul 27,2008

The Authority offers patients consumers tips and encourages them to ‘Speak Up’(TM) for improved patient safety

The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority today supports “National Patient Safety Day” which is a national effort to encourage patients and their families to participate fully in their healthcare by asking questions and learning everything they can about their surgery or illness.

“We understand the important role the patient has in preventing medical errors by participating in their own healthcare,” Mike Doering, executive director of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority said. “We’ve received reports of harm being prevented because a patient or family member spoke up and asked a question or provided additional information.”

The Authority encourages patients to participate in their own healthcare by following guidance in “Consumer Tip” sheets. The tip sheets provide information on how patients can help reduce the risk of medical mistakes occurring to them while they are being treated in the healthcare arena. The consumer tips are based upon real life medical errors that have either occurred or were prevented in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities and published in Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisories.

patient

Topics of the consumer tips include how to prevent: infections, wrong-site surgery, falls and medication errors. The tips also give patients information on the importance of knowing their medical history, knowing what to expect when taking antibiotics and the real risks associated with pregnancy and x-rays.

Patients and their loved ones are also encouraged to participate in their healthcare by “speaking up” or asking questions and providing any additional information that may be helpful in treating them. The Authority re-published “Speak Up”(TM): Help Prevent Errors in Your Care,” brochure originally published by The Joint Commission that gives consumers useful information on how they can assure quality care for themselves and their loved ones. Some tips include:

  • Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.
  • Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.
  • Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.
  • Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
  • Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes.
  • Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards.
  • Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.

The Authority also provides several links on its consumer web page at www.psa.state.pa.us with more information and resources patients and family members can use to prevent medical errors.

“We should have confidence in our doctors and nurses treating us, but it’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions to help ensure your safety,” Doering said. “The Authority will continue to provide guidance to Pennsylvania’s healthcare facilities to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety; however consumers of the healthcare system can help by getting more involved in their healthcare.”

The July 25, 2008, National Patient Safety Day is a grassroots collaboration of community-based patient safety advocates throughout the country. The Authority collaborated with the Pulse of PA, the Pennsylvania patient safety advocacy organization to raise awareness of the effort to get patients more involved in their healthcare. For more information on Pulse of PA go to www.pulseofpa.org. For more information on the Patient Safety Authority and consumer tips information go to www.psa.state.pa.us.

Source: Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority


Over 300 of China’s top stem cell biologists and researchers from around the globe shared their latest results and held China’s first ever symposium on advanced induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell research during the just concluded first annual 2008 China Stem Cell Technology Forum at the China Medical City complex in Taizhou, China. At the Forum, which was chaired by Dr. Sean Hu, Chairman of Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd.,  some of the world’s most respected researchers presented their latest laboratory findings and clinical trial results in using stem cells to treat common ailments like heart disease and nervous system diseases such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, and optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH). Biologists attending the Mandarin Chinese language Forum came from leading research centers in nearly all of China’s major cities, and as far away as the United States, Canada, India, Australia, and Malaysia.

A special symposium entitled Advanced iPS Cell Technology, convened as part of the Forum, brought together for the first time over a dozen scientists involved in cutting edge stem cell research at some of America and China’s most respected science universities and research labs. A potential substitute for embryonic stem cells, genetically programmable iPS cells are widely believed to be at the very forefront of the field’s most exciting research frontier as iPS cells theoretically could deliver the greatest therapeutic benefit. Since iPS cells can be produced from the building blocks in any individual’s own body, they bring the potential that people may someday be able to heal a range of sicknesses from tissue cells they have banked themselves. At the symposium, renowned stem cell scientists like Dr. Hu Jifan of the Palo Alto VA Health Care System under the Stanford University Medical School, Dr. Xiang Peng of Sun Yat Sen University, Dr. Zhang Yaou of Tsing Hua University, Dr. Kong Hsiang-Fu of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Dr. Zhou Xiangjun of Shanghai Jiaotong University, and Dr. Yong-Jian Geng of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Texas Heart Institute, discussed their own latest advancements since recent breakthroughs at the University of Wisconsin and Kyoto University in Japan. The scientists also discussed mutual cooperation and research oversight opportunities, creation of ethical research guidelines in China, and future iPS cell research directions. At the symposium, a special subgroup of China’s leading cardiovascular scientists like Dr. Chen Haozhu of Fudan University, Dr. Wang Shiwen of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, and Dr. Zhang Fumin of Nanjing Medical University conferred on the use of stem cells in heart disease treatment, as well as new research methods and ethical responsibilities in that field.

Dr. Yong-Jian Geng, M.D., Ph.D, Director of the Heart Failure and Stem Cell Research Lab at the Texas Heart Institute and Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, said, “Scientists and clinicians have been doing incredible research on stem cells, and generating many exciting results. I feel confident more breakthroughs will be coming soon. I was very pleased and honored to be invited to participate in this discussion, and I am willing to help Chinese investigators establish guidelines that will, in my opinion, help develop a global standard for the stem cell therapies.”

Dr. Hu Jifan, noted senior research scientist at the Palo Alto VA Health Care System under the Stanford University Medical School said, “Leading scientists in China are constantly finding ways to create more effective iPS cells. Through this forum we agreed to help verify each other’s work, share experiences, and ensure safe, high-standard research takes place so that we may someday create the conditions for effective clinical treatments and industrial scale production of iPS cells. While no one knows yet when these conditions might be met, this Forum certainly helped speed up the process by bringing together some of the world’s best minds working towards these goals.”

Presentations at the 2008 China Stem Cell Stem Cell Technology Forum covered a wide range of new biological advancements as Chinese scientists hone in on the global goal of bringing practical stem cell treatments to market. Other topics covered included findings on the most potent combinations of stem cells, effective cell processing methods, the latest clinical trials targeting diseases like heart conditions, muscular dystrophy and optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), and much more yet to be published stem cell research.

Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in researching and providing safe and effective stem cell applications for medical treatment, hosted the event along with the China National Center for Biotechnology Development (CNCBD) under China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the Jiangsu Provincial Department for Science and Technology, and the Taizhou Government. The 2008 China Stem Cell Stem Cell Technology Forum was attended by MOST officials, the Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province Mr. Zhang Taolin, and Taizhou Mayor Mr. Yao Jianhua.

Dr. Sean Hu, the Chairman of Beike Biotech said, “Chinese science, and indeed global stem cell research, achieved a great deal through this forum. Beike is proud to work with China to bring together so many globally known Mandarin speaking stem cell scientists to better communicate and share resources regarding what may very well become the future of healthcare.”

Source: Beike Biotechnology Company Limited


New York Resident Expected To Regain Hearing in Both Ears for the First Time in Over 40 Years

Cochlear, the world’s leader in advanced hearing technologies, today announced a landmark milestone when Dr. Thomas Roland, Jr., MD of NYU Langone Medical Center performs the 120,000th cochlear implant device procedure. Today, 72-year-old New York resident, Susan Grossman, will undergo surgery to receive bilateral (a device in each ear) Nucleus(R) Freedom cochlear implants.

Cochlear implants have the ability to restore hearing for individuals who are severely hard of hearing and for whom hearing aids don’t help much, and those who are profoundly deaf. A cochlear implant is a device, which bypasses damaged hair cells in the inner ear, or cochlea, that stimulates the hearing nerve directly, effectively restoring hearing to individuals. These devices are a proven medical option for adults and children as young as twelve months old.

“Cochlear implants are the most effective treatment for people with severe to profound hearing loss and are becoming the standard of care globally,” said Dr. Roland. “In fact, it is becoming common practice for people to now receive a device in both ears, as the clinical evidence clearly demonstrates the benefit. At NYU, we do more than five implants per week and this continues to grow each year.” The NYU team of audiologists currently manage about 1800 recipients.

“Cochlear implants are the only medical device designed to restore one of the five human senses. With this technology, people with severe to profound hearing loss no longer have to live in a world of silence,” said Chris Smith, President Cochlear Americas. “We celebrate this milestone with the dedicated clinicians who have helped us to positively impact the lives of so many people, like Susan Grossman, with the gift of hearing. An estimated 1 million people in the United States could benefit from this technology, yet less than 10 percent of those who qualify actually have a cochlear implant. It is important that we educate and inform the general public about this life changing technology.”

When asked what she is most looking forward to after receiving her implants, Susan Grossman responded, “I’m really excited to be able to do everything that I did before without having to think about whether I’ll be able to hear.”

Since the first commercial implant in 1982, cochlear implants have become the standard of care for people who have severe to profound hearing loss. Approximately 400 institutions in the United States now provide this advanced technology. This technology is covered by the majority of private carriers as well as by Medicare and Medicaid for appropriate candidates.

To commemorate this milestone, Cochlear will launch a Web page to celebrate Susan’s activation. Cochlear is inviting other recipients, family members, friends and professional partners to join Susan by sharing the details of their experiences with sound via an Interactive map of North America at: http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Susan.

(1) American Academy of Audiology

Source: Cochlear


Soma Intimates Joins the Battle Against Ovarian Cancer

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jul 25,2008

Soma Intimates Teams up with QVC(R) Presents Super Saturday Live Benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

Soma Intimates is passionate about helping women look and feel their best. On Saturday, July 26th Soma Intimates is scheduled to appear during the QVC Presents Super Saturday Live broadcast beginning at 2 PM (ET). QVC shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase Soma styles, including the Asana Crop Yoga Pant and Seam Free Fabulous Cami, at HALF Soma Intimates’ suggested retail price with net proceeds benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).

“As a gold level donor to QVC Presents Super Saturday Live, Soma is committed to supporting causes that impact the lives of our customers, and the lives of all women,” states Terri Fisher, senior vice president, GMM for Soma Intimates. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with QVC and OCRF to help make a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer.”

“We’re excited that Soma Intimates is joining QVC Presents Super Saturday Live this year,” said Denise Wine, director of event and partnership marketing for QVC. “Offering our viewers products from such a well-respected brand while supporting OCRF is a win-win opportunity all around.”

Soma Intimates will be available through QVC at 800.345.1515 or by visiting www.QVC.com while supplies last.

About The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the formulation of early diagnostic treatment programs and research towards the ultimate conquest of ovarian cancer. As OCRF strives to find an early diagnostic tool and a cure, it also seeks to support patients and their loved ones in understanding this disease and its treatment as well as to provide outreach programs and raise public awareness.

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,650 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 in the U.S. and about 15,520 women will die of the disease. Ovarian cancer is an insidious disease that often strikes without warning and without cause. Currently there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. As a result, just half of all patients are alive and disease free five years after diagnosis. However, if detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate is 92%.

Every day OCRF makes a difference in thousands of women’s lives and the lives of their families. Since 1998, OCRF has awarded over $23 million in grants to 128 exceptional researchers at 40 leading medical centers across the country. Using the latest technologies, these investigators are breaking new ground though the discoveries of new treatment modalities, genetic markers, and diagnostic tools. With each new research grant awarded, bold steps are being taken toward finding a cure. For more information or to join OCRF in its fight, please visit www.ocrf.org .

Source: Soma Intimates


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