uf patient safety report

How do I contact UF Health?

If you are a patient or a family member and wish to contact us about care at UF Health, please contact us. Our office is open from 8-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. If you need to contact us after hours or on weekends, please ask your caregiver to contact a nursing coordinator with immediate concerns that cannot be solved by your care team.

What is UF Health doing to improve patient-centered care?

Faculty and staff from throughout UF Health regularly engage in interdisciplinary quality-improvement initiatives, reflecting our commitment and ongoing progress in patient-centered, safe practices. We encourage patients to partner with their health care teams and become active participants in their care to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What is your patient safety reporting system?

We have an advanced patient safety reporting system that collects and analyzes safety events submitted by clinical care staff. Our clinical risk management team uses this system to help identify underlying factors that cause errors and mitigate future risk to patients through process-improvement efforts.

What are UF Health’s Big aims?

At UF Health, we have four priority clinical quality and patient safety goals, or “Big Aims,” that guide our patient care. We strictly follow practices that reduce preventable complications, improve medication safety and reduce mortality. We ensure consistency in care by following evidence-based best practices.

AIM: Reduce Harm

We strictly follow practices that reduce preventable complications, improve medication safety and reduce mortality.

AIM: Reduce Variation in Care

We ensure consistency in care by following evidence-based best practices. Efforts include practices to reduce patient hospital readmissions (patients returning following treatment) and to improve performance across nationally recognized care processes, or core measures.

AIM: Enhance the Patient Experience

Everything we do is focused on patient-centered care. Efforts include our overall hospitality and behaviors, such as clear and supportive patient communication. We also ensure patients are comfortable while receiving medical treatment. Examples include managing patients’ pain control and ensuring a quiet and comfortable hospital environment.

AIM: Transform Our Culture

Every person employed or volunteering at UF Health contributes to the care and experience of our patients. We are on a journey to transform our culture through common behaviors and consistent practices that make sure everyone with whom we come into contact has their most positive encounter at UF Health.

Contact Us

The UF Health Sebastian Ferrero Office of Clinical Quality & Patient Safety Phone: 352-265-0002 Includes the following departments:

Know about your care

You and your doctor should agree on what will happen during your hospitalization.

Be Informed

Ask your health care providers whatever questions you have. If you don’t understand the answer, ask again.

Know your surroundings

Become familiar with your room and nursing unit. Ask about unfamiliar equipment.

Know your medications

Tell your health care team about every prescription and non-prescription medication or supplement you are taking.

Speak up

Voice any questions or concerns about your care to any member of your health care team.

If you need us

Just ask if you need help getting out of bed. Help prevent fall injuries by following your health care team’s instructions regarding walking or using equipment.

Enlist family and friends

Bring along a trusted family member who can act as your advocate and health care partner.

Why do they put a red armband on you?

If you have any allergies to food, medication, tape, latex, etc., staff will place a red armband on you to make sure staff is aware of your allergies.

What to do if you are hospitalized with DVT?

When you’re hospitalized and in bed with limited physical activity, your risk of DVT increases. Ask your doctor about using compression boots or stockings and/or blood thinners to prevent DVT during your stay. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of the following warning signs:

What is the ID band for hospital admission?

For your safety, upon admission to the hospital, a patient identification band will be placed on your wrist that includes your name, date of birth, gender and medical record number, which you will need to wear at all times. Please check your ID band for accuracy to make sure your name is spelled correctly and your birthday is accurate.

Why do we wear yellow armbands?

Falls are a significant cause of patient injury. If you are deemed to be at risk for falls, the staff will apply a yellow armband to your wrist. It is also important to wear this band so staff know about your risk and take extra care to prevent you from falling. Please follow any instructions regarding getting out of bed.

What happens if you remove your ID band?

If for some reason your ID band has to be removed, it will be replaced by the staff member who removed it as soon as possible. Clinicians will consistently check and re-check your identification band throughout your stay to be sure they are providing the services and treatments ordered for you by your physician.

What are some examples of errors in hospital?

They can involve medications, procedures or paperwork — for example, being given salt with a meal when you’re on a salt-free diet, or receiving someone else’s medical forms.

What is the responsibility of hospitals?

Hospitals and health systems are responsible for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their patients and patient information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandates regulations that govern privacy standards for healthcare information.

Does Shands Health Care have a patient directory?

Shands HealthCare provides all patients upon admission an option regarding inclusion in our facility patient directory as required by federal law. Patients are asked during the admission process if they would like to opt out of the facility patient directory.

Preventing Errors

ID Bands

• For your safety, upon admission to the hospital, a patient identification band will be placed on your wrist that includes your name, date of birth, gender and medical record number, which you will need to wear at all times. Please check your ID band for accuracy to make sure your name is spelled correctly and your birthday is accurate. 1. Wear your...

See more on ufhealth.org

Allergies

Devices/Equipment

DVT: Lower Your Risk

Falls

Surgery