Patient Safety Authority

10/28/2026

JUST PUBLISHED — Few things are more surprising to patients than waking from non-ocular surgery with sudden eye pain, yet this quiet complication is far more common than most expect. Corneal abrasion is the most common cause of postoperative visual complaints associated with non-ocular surgery performed under anesthesia. While usually minor, this complication can cause significant discomfort, pain, blurred vision, tearing, and redness in the eye. This complication could also be alarming to patients who wake up from a procedure with unexpected symptoms in their eye. In addition to patient safety concerns, corneal abrasion as a complication of anesthesia can lead to increased cost due to additional medications, consultations, increased length of stay, and medical malpractice claims and settlements.

By Christine E. Sanchez. Few things are more surprising to patients than waking from non-ocular surgery with sudden eye pain, yet this quiet complication is far more common than most expect.

10/22/2026

As the weather gets cooler, stomach bugs like norovirus spread more easily. The fall issue of THE LOWDOWN explains what norovirus looks like and the steps staff can take to help keep residents safe.

10/19/2026

Do you know someone who made a difference in patient care and safety? Share their story by nominating them for an I AM Patient Safety (IAPS) award.

Submit your nominations by Friday, December 18, 2026, and join us in celebrating those who help advance safe healthcare for everyone.

Learn more about the awards and nominate an individual or a team today: https://patientsafety.pa.gov/NewsAndInformation/Brochures/Pages/2027-i-am-patient-safety.aspx

10/09/2026

The Patient Safety Authority is seeking a Senior Patient Safety Consultant (part-time) to provide assistance with data analysis and development of patient safety activities. Learn more and apply at https://patientsafety.pa.gov/PatientSafetyAuthority/Pages/Job_Openings_Links.aspx

10/08/2026

Just published: In the patient safety trends article published on April 27, 2026, reporting rates for 2025 were calculated based on patient days and surgical encounters from the first half of the year, as those data for Q3 and Q4 were not available as of the article publication date. This brief update provides the final rates for 2025 using all quarters of patient days and surgical encounters data, along with an updated number of reports with event dates in 2025 submitted as of July 29, 2026, and compares them to the 2025 rates presented in the previously published article1 (hereafter referred to as the “preliminary rates”).

Read more:

By Shawn Kepner. In the patient safety trends article published on April 27, 2026, reporting rates for 2025 were calculated based on patient days and surgical encounters from the first half of the...

10/06/2026

Just published: Discover how one Pennsylvania facility strengthened breast milk–handling safety in its NICU after identifying preventable errors. This article reviews recent breast milk–related events reported statewide; outlines risks across collection, storage, and administration; and shares practical strategies hospitals can use to reduce harm. You’ll also learn how this facility sought guidance from the Patient Safety Authority as it implemented targeted improvements to close process gaps and enhance reliability. Explore these insights, lessons learned, and supportive resources designed to help facilities promote safer, more consistent care for infants and their families.

By Christine E. Sanchez, Shirley Dominick. When one Pennsylvania facility discovered breast milk–related errors in its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), its outreach to the Patient Safety Authority prompted a closer look at similar events occurring...

09/25/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲! The application period for our fall Master Class in writing quality improvement studies ends today, Sept. 25, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Learn more and apply now: https://patientsafetyj.com/post/4159-fall-2026-writing-workshop-in-quality-improvement-studies

09/22/2026

⏰ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲’𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁! Applications for our fall Master Class in Writing Quality Improvement Studies are due this 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟱!

💻 This free, two-part writing workshop for healthcare professionals will take place virtually on October 8 and December 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET. Participants will learn how to turn their QI project into a publishable manuscript to broadly share their work — no writing experience needed!

👉 Learn more and submit your application today:

Submit your application by September 25, 2026! Our free online Master Class Writing Workshop in Quality Improvement Studies teaches you how to turn your QI project into a manuscript.

09/18/2026

One week left to apply for our fall 2026 writing workshop!

Submit your application by September 25, 2026! Our free online Master Class Writing Workshop in Quality Improvement Studies teaches you how to turn your QI project into a manuscript.