Patient Safety Goals

WakeMed Health & Hospitals and the Center for Patient Safety are committed to implementing patient safety initiatives organization-wide. Some of our initiatives include the following.

Deployment of Rapid Response Teams

WakeMed has implemented an RRT at Raleigh Campus and Cary Hospital that responds when a caregiver calls at the first sign of patient decline.

This team provides an extra person, trained in the care of critically ill patients, to the patient's side when there is a concern that the patient isn't doing well.

Improve the Accuracy of Patient Identification

WakeMed requires that the patient's first and last name and medical record numbers are confirmed prior to administering treatment. 

If a medical record number is not available, the date of birth can be used as an alternate second identifier.  Additionally, information on arm bands may be cross-referenced with the medication administration record or lab/radiology requisition.

Improve the Effectiveness of Communication Among Caregivers

WakeMed caregivers documenting in the medical record are required to utilize only approved abbreviations to avoid any misunderstandings.

WakeMed has also developed specific criterion that designate a test as critical. Critical diagnostic test results require urgent notification to a healthcare provider.  Verbal orders and lab results must be read back to ensure correctness, verifying the patient's name, medical record number, and order/result.

Reduce the risk of health care-associated infections

WakeMed has instituted the FROG (Friction Rubs Out Germs) Hand Hygiene Campaign and monitoring of hand hygiene compliance per Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. 

We prevent surgical site infections by reliably delivering the correct perioperative antibiotics at the proper time

Caregivers are also encouraged not to shave surgical sites with a razor, since shaving can increase the risk of infection by up to three times; keeping glucose levels normal both before and after surgery; and keeping body temperatures normal unless surgery requires a lower body temp.

We prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (respirator or breathing machine) or VAPs by implementing a series of interdependent, scientifically grounded steps. We have observed dramatic declines in VAPS as a result.

Reduce risk of patient harm resulting from falls

WakeMed has created a Falls Risk Assessment form that identifies patient risk regarding mobility, elimination, medications, mental status and prior history of falls. 

Engaging patients and families in their own care. Patients and their families know themselves better than anyone else. We believe it is essential to involve patients and families in order to get the best results.

This means listening to patients and families concerns and suggestions. It means making sure patients and their families understand the plan and what to expect. It means sharing what we can do to keep our patients safe, and encouraging patients and families to help us make sure we all do it, every time.