Days from retirement, Bob Hanscom talked about his nearly 30-year career helping organizations use malpractice data among other tools to focus their efforts to improve care and avoid patient harm. In this interview, he describes how the role of medical liability carriers has changed — for the better — and what more needs to be done to improve patient safety.

"I think most malpractice carriers around the country now would also say they have a patient safety mission. It has become the language of the industry, which I think is tremendous." — Bob Hanscom
The Leapfrog Group will add a section to its annual survey asking hospitals to report their progress on evidence-based practices designed to prevent and reduce patient harm from diagnostic error The Leapfrog Group will add a section to its annual survey asking hospitals to report their progress on evidence-based practices designed to prevent and reduce patient harm from diagnostic error and delay. In advance of changes to the 2024 survey, Leapfrog published a set of 29 best practices in diagnostic excellence in July and will pilot test survey questions this fall.

September is Sepsis Awareness Month and a new survey revealed that 66% of U.S. adults are aware of the term sepsis, but only 19% can correctly identify all four of the most common symptoms. “Sepsis Smart” aims to spread information about this life-threatening illness and encourage people to act quickly if they suspect sepsis.

Upcoming events
September 28 - 29
Sepsis Alliance Summit. This free online program will feature two days of learning and inspiration for health care professionals across the continuum of care. Register here
September 28 - 30
ASHRM 2022 Annual Conference. This online event delivers key takeaways from ASHRM 2022's annual conference for those who were unable to attend in person. Register here
October 1 - 2
HackMIT. This weekend-long event, where students build creative technology projects from scratch, will include a patient safety technology track to be judged by Patricia Dykes from Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Learn more
Patient Safety Beat is published by the Betsy Lehman Center, a Massachusetts state agency that supports providers, patients and policymakers working together to advance the safety and quality of health care.