WHO addresses patient safety

Recognizing that healthcare errors affect one in every 10 patients around the world, the World Health Organization, World Alliance for Patient Safety and the Collaboration Centre have packaged nine effective solutions to help reduce medical errors. Case managers, charged with ensuring that patients receive safe, quality healthcare, should review the “Nine Life-Saving Patient Safety Solutions,” listed in this Joint Commission International Press Release. You can also listen to an audio conference of world leaders dedicated to addressing medical errors globally.

Incorporating oral health into wellness programs

Mouth and throat diseases ranging from cavities to cancer cause pain and disability for millions of Americans each year. Yet, almost all oral diseases can be prevented. A report from the CDC entitled “Oral Health, Preventing Cavities, Gum Disease and Tooth Loss” can be used by case managers to incorporate oral health as part of their patient education efforts.

Kaiser expands e-heart program beyond system

Case managers may want to check out Kaiser Permanente’s Coronary Artery Disease Program. The organization has expanded the program beyond its enterprise in order to make the Web-based services free and available to clinicians and consumers around the nation. Kaiser-Permanente

New inhalers for patients with asthma

Patients who use inhalers containing the drug albuterol will need to change their inhalers. Manufacturers are phasing out one type of albuterol inhaler, called a CFC inhaler, and increasing production of another, the HFA inhaler. American Lung Association

Food and Drug Administration warns consumers about purchasing drugs online

Case managers need to warn their patients about buying medications online. The FDA issued new warnings about buying prescription drugs online. The agency said that consumers should be cautious if there is no way to contact the Web site pharmacy by phone, prices seem unusually low, or no doctor’s prescription is required. FDA News