Dr. Jayaram's passion for patient safety permeates every chapter. The message clearly is to get us all involved in this effort. Although loaded with many facts, tables and 'how to's' to deliver safe care, the book is a quick and easy read. In spite of all her passion for safety, she recognizes that even in the best systems, mistakes sometimes happen. When that occurs, she admonishes us then 'to be honest.' I have been there - and she is right!" - Alfred Herzog, M.D., Founding Chair, APA Patient Safety Committee; Past President, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT Members of the psychiatric profession have always been uniquely concerned about the well-being of their patients. Despite this, the published literature on safety in psychiatry is surprisingly thin. This ground-breaking volume by Dr. Geetha Jayaram, recognized leader in the field, identifies key patient safety issues in psychiatry, and provides practical suggestions for improvement. It will be indispensable reading to anyone interested in making psychiatry safer." - Albert W. Wu, M.D., MPH, FACP, Professor and Director, Center for Health Services & Outcomes Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD As in all medical specialties, improving patient care through thoughtful system improvements is critical to keep psychiatric patients safe. Jayaram and her colleagues have written an extremely useful text outlining how specific improvements in inpatient care systems can improve patient outcomes and minimize harm. I highly recommend this book as a guide to improve care to any health professional who practices in inpatient settings." - Jeffrey S. Janofsky, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Director, Psychiatry and Law Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD This book, if followed, is a big step towards zero suicides on psychiatric units. As a psychiatric malpractice lawyer, I depose more corporate representatives of psychiatric hospitals than anyone in the United States. If a risk manager or hospital administrator reads this book, follows the sage advice provided, and staff documents the advice was followed, hospitals and clinicians will avoid being sued. It is just that simple: just do it." - Skip Simpson, JD, Adjunct Associate Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX The book is a quick, effortless read and is packed with helpful pointers and safety strategies often overlooked by treatment teams. Some examples include a table of elopement risk factors, a summary of drugs associated with serotonin syndrome, and even recommendations for when it's safe to drive after ECT. Excellent clinical pointers like these, coupled with the captivating writing style, make this book a must-read for mental healthcare workers.
Doody's Notes