Blog

COPD and Covid-19: What to Know

The pandemic has changed our way of life, and forced us to establish a new “normal.” There is much dialogue around chronic health conditions at risk for severe illness from Covid-19. Most discussions emphasize diabetes, obesity, and auto-immune disorders, but few mention chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related...

National Healthcare Quality Week: Quality does not exist without safety

It’s been a little over 2 months since I joined the HSC and SaferCare Texas family. Wow. Time flies, even during a pandemic. In my new role, I learn something new every day. One of my passions is healthcare quality.  Yes. You read correctly. I love all things quality and safety.  This week is National Healthcare Quality week. In recognition of this week, the focus...

Language brokers: When children control the conversation

As the demographics of the U.S. population change, immigration stands out as a leading factor in this transformation.  Children living in immigrant households represent one group that deserves particular attention in this demographic shift.  A child is said to reside in an immigrant household if he or she is an immigrant or the son or daughter of immigrant parents.  Children in immigrant families...

Sepsis: A Deadly Condition

During this tumultuous 2020, Covid-19 has captured most headlines and news reports. Everywhere you look there is heavily promoted mitigation strategies such as mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing on how to reduce transmission of Covid-19. When a new disease infects 6.4 million Americans with over 200,000 associated deaths, one understands why it is a popular topic.1 Although Covid-19 has consumed...

Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety

Patient Safety is a global priority. In recognition of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) established World Patient Safety Day in May 2019 as an annual event.  The objectives of this initiative are: 1) increase public awareness and engagement, 2) enhance global understanding, and 3) spur global solidarity and action to promote patient safety. The origin of this day is firmly...