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A set of 14 patient safety measures seeking to curb preventable errors in healthcare settings has been approved by a national standards-setting organization.

The measures, as endorsed by the National Quality Forum Board of Directors, address patient safety concerns such as the use of high-risk medications for the elderly, care coordination, venous thromboembolism and healthcare-associated infections.

The measures “help providers examine adverse events and increase accountability to implement improvements that will protect patients and enable the safe, high-quality, and compassionate care they deserve,” said Pamela Cipriano, Ph.D., RN, co-chair of the Patient Safety Measures steering committee.

The panel next will tackle measures pertinent to long-term care including pressure ulcers, facility-acquired infections and patient falls.