Ensuring the Safety of Neonates

摘要

In To Err is Human, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimated that approximately 98,000 Americans die each year because of medical errors (IOM, 1999). These alarming statistics changed the landscape for those working in the healthcare field and initiated a discussion on the need for improved patient safety. The lOM's follow-up report, Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century, was equally significant (IOM, 2001). This report was a call to action to make the health care system safer, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable for all Americans. As a result, thousands of continuous quality improvement projects have been initiated in hospitals across the United States in an effort to improve patient safety and quality of care. For those working with neonates, these efforts begin with the very first breath. This In Focus Series includes four articles that address neonatal safety and quality of care from birth to admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).