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Janet Corrigan and Dwight McNeill Building Organizational Capacity: A Cornerstone Of Health System Reform Health Affairs, March/April 2009; 28(2): w205-w215. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [From The Editor][Table Of Contents] [Reprints & Permissions]

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Quality Problems And Poor Outcomes

Patrece Banks   ( 28 January 2009 )

Quality Problems And Poor Outcomes 28 January 2009
Patrece Banks, CEO Invisible Caregiver Send comment to journal: Re: Quality Problems And Poor Outcomes patrece{at}invisiblecaregiver.com Patrece Banks	A lack of accountability in transitions from hospital to home has helped create an abundance of inferior assistive tools often creating more risk than benefit. A lack of knowledge between health care providers and manufacturers has created a breeding ground for unsafe and ineffective tools that often may not comply with appropriate regulations -- in short, a Wild West mentality, secrecy, and waste. The health care system has created a system of noncompliance when it comes to assistive technology devices that may well be medical devices sliding under the radar to avoid regulation. This is not only a safety issue for the user but now a risk management and liability issue for health care providers. The government often contracts with experts at universities or research institutes that might not know or don't think they need to know about guidelines and regulations others must comply with. It is important for them to know and understand the issues of their target audience. If you are confined to an area that does not live by the same rules as those you are now educating, then you should not pretend to be an expert when you have huge gaps in knowledge. According to a government report in 2006, there were over 20,000 assistive technology tools in 2002. A lack of regard for efficacy and a focus on low cost and convenience has helped create a lack of accountability with no focus on outcomes.