Invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) can cause severe, life-threatening illness among the elderly, particularly long-term care (LTC) residents. The incidence of iGAS infection is higher among long-term care residents than among community members of the same age, and residents who develop iGAS infections have significant morbidity and mortality risk due to advanced age, close living conditions, and comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease). Outbreaks of iGAS in LTC facilities in the United States and Canada have mortality rates of 8% to 40%. Because of the potential severity of illness, even a single case of iGAS requires public health action. JoAnn Adkins, BSN, RN, senior infection preventionist at the Patient Safety Authority, will discuss the incidence of iGAS in Pennsylvania LTC facilities and ways to prevent the spread in a facility.

 

.50 continuing education hours will be awarded for completion of this webinar. Continuing education credits apply to Pennsylvania registered nurses only.

The Patient Safety Authority’s Center of Excellence for Improving Diagnosis presents the Connections: Linking Knowledge and Action webinar series. Dr. Timothy J. Mosher, physician advisor for the Center of Excellence for Improving Diagnosis, Kenneth L. Miller chair of radiology at Penn State College of Medicine and distinguished professor of radiology and orthopaedic surgery, and Catherine Reynolds, DL, RN, patient safety liaison at the Patient Safety Authority, will describe the scope and impact of diagnostic error in healthcare and why this is a priority patient safety issue. They will also discuss a systems view of the challenge as a framework for improving the diagnostic process; how members of the healthcare team play a role in an accurate and timely diagnosis communicated to the patient; and also how they aim to drive action for change.

 

1.0 continuing education hours will be awarded for completion of this webinar. Continuing education credits apply to Pennsylvania registered nurses only.

This course will discuss the historical context of the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act (Act 13 of 2002), define the key elements of MCARE, and recognize when an event is reportable to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS).
 
4.0 continuing education hours will be awarded for completion of this course. Continuing education credits apply to Pennsylvania registered nurses only.