Conclusion The problem of medical/dental errors is amazingly complex. Although some progress has been made in the form of technological advances and standardization, much remains to be done. Organizationally, solutions must be developed and discussed from both the top down and the bottom up. All aspects of health care must be included. Resources from senior leadership must provide for teamwork training, technological innovations, and appropriate staffing. Because much of the threat to patient safety occurs at the direct point of care, frontline staff must be empowered to identify and analyze errors without fear of retribution. Fostering a culture of safety is part of the broader movement to improve healthcare quality – along with assuring that care is effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. Fostering a culture of safety is an essential element in improving the U.S. healthcare delivery system, of which oral health is an integral part. Delivery of care involves physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and all auxiliary personnel such as Resources ● Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): The AHRQ website is the landmark site for clinical information on evidence-based practice, clinical guidelines, medical effectiveness, pharmaceutical therapy, new technology, screening and preventive services, outcomes research, and the National Guideline Clearinghouse. Website : http://www.ahrq.gov ● AHRQ Patient Safety Network: The AHRQ consumer web page (https://psnet.ahrq.gov), is dedicated to providing patients and consumers with information related to preventing medical errors and ensuring that they receive quality care. Taking Care of Myself: A Guide for When I Leave the Hospital is a resource designed to help patients cope after discharge from the hospital (https://www.ahrq. gov/patients-consumers/diagnosis-treatment/hospitals- clinics/goinghome/index.html). The easy-to-read guide is available in English and Spanish and can be used by hospital staff and patients during the discharge process. It provides several ways for patients to track medication schedules, medical appointments, and important phone numbers. Website : https://psnet.ahrq.gov ● American Dental Association (ADA): The ADA’s website is the home of America’s leading advocate for oral health. This site is excellent for oral care providers and patients. All major treatment, research, education, and public policy/law topics are covered and constantly updated. A recent review on patient safety in the dental office is available at http:// www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/ Files/Ensuring_patient_safety_in_dentistry_Stewart_and_ Kalenderian_for_posting_v2.ashx The Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) was established by the ADA to develop performance measures for oral health care. The DQA is an organization of major stakeholders in oral healthcare delivery using a collaborative approach to develop oral healthcare measures. The DQA can be accessed on the ADA website at http://www.ada.org/en/ science-research/dental-quality-alliance ● Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC website has information about specific diseases, injuries, life stages, and preventive health measures for ● Health and Medicine Division (HMD) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: The HMD is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that provides advice to decision makers and the public. Website : http://www.nationalacademies.org/HMD professionals and consumers. Website : http://www.cdc.gov
assistants and hygienists. The role that oral health professionals play in overall health is constantly growing, with newer screenings for HIV and HCV, in addition to more traditional screenings, such as those for blood pressure and diabetes. There are increasing opportunities for oral healthcare providers to participate more fully in preventive health care for their patients. There will always be room for improvement in creating a culture of safety in the dental setting as modern clinicians and dental office staff become increasingly aware of the importance of safety and infection prevention. A culture of safety calls for constant improvement and mindfulness on the part of everyone in the office. Quality initiatives must be implemented, and barriers identified and addressed. Constant monitoring on the part of the entire dental team must be a major part of the culture of safety and a daily concern. Furthermore, patients must play an active role in their own care. Working together, dental healthcare providers and their patients can ensure an environment of safe and high-quality care. ● Healthgrades: Healthgrades is a commercial website that provides consumers with information concerning healthcare providers. Website : http://www.healthgrades.com ● Institute for Healthcare Improvement: The Institute for Healthcare Improvement is dedicated to improving the quality and safety of health care worldwide. IHI has received support from such organizations as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation. Website : http://www.ihi.org ● Institute for Safe Medication Practices: ISMP’s consumer website (ISMP MedSafetyAlert!) specifically addresses the prevention of medication errors and provides consumers with the option of receiving e-mails containing safety alerts concerning their specific medications. Website : http://www.consumermedsafety.org/tools-and- resources/medication-safety-tools-and-resources/know-your- medicine/get-free-personalized-drug-updates ● The Joint Commission: The Joint Commission is an independent organization that provides accreditation and certification to healthcare organizations and programs. Website : http://www.jointcommission.org The Joint Commission has several tools available to consumers on its website, including how to find reliable health information; the Speak Up program (in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; http:// www.jointcommission.org/speakup.aspx), which helps consumers become their own advocates; and Quality Check (http://www.qualitycheck.org/consumer/searchQCR.aspx), a way to compare accredited hospitals in their area. ● Leapfrog Group: The Leapfrog Group is an employer- based coalition advocating for improved transparency, quality, and safety in hospitals. Website : http://www.leapfroggroup.org ● National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP): NASHP is an independent academy of state health policy makers that fosters communication among branches of state government. Website : http://www.nashp.org ● National Patient Safety Foundation: The NPSF partners with patients, families, and the healthcare community to advance the safety of patients as well as that of the healthcare workforce. Website : http://www.npsf.org ● U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Website : http://www.hhs.gov ● U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Website : http://www.va.gov
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