Using Technology, Families to Protect Patients

Preventing infections and other problems for hospital patients is a big job. A new pilot program will use both technology and family help in the effort. The Johns Hopkins University program will cost $9 million. Doctors and nurses know many ways to help to keep patients safe. The new project will use automatic signals and controls to make sure they are carried out. For example, breathing problems can be a side effect of some painkillers. The Johns Hopkins program will link the machines that dispense medicines and keep track of breathing. Painkillers will be cut off automatically if breathing problems occur. The hospital also wants to put a checklist of daily care tasks on a tablet computer in each patient’s room. Hospital staff will urge family members to check the tablet and speak up if something is missed.