Resources: March 2014

Behavioral health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in February published the “Mayors’ Resource Guide on Behavioral Health Issues.” The publication provides local elected officials the tools they need to expand access to substance abuse and mental health treatment for their communities. For more information, visit http://store.samhsa.gov.

Health records

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in January released the Safety Assurance Factors for EHR Resilience Guides. The guides include resources for how health care workers can use electronic health records safely. Topics include contingency planning, organizational practices and clinician communication. For more information, visit www.HealthIT.gov/saferguide.

Occupational health

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in January launched a resource page on its website filled with materials on workplace safety for hospital workers. The page includes best practice guides and fact books covering risks in chemical and drug exposure, lifting and moving patients and exposure to infectious disease. For more information, visit www.osha.gov/hospitals.

Product safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November adapted its website features for mobile smartphone and tablet, such as FDA MedWatch. The mobile access makes it easier for doctors and clinicians to report problems with medical products, such as drug side effects, according to the agency. For more information, visit www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

Interprofessional health

Cornell University Press in November published “Bedside Manners: Play and Workbook.” Authored by Suzanne Gordon, Lisa Hayes, PhD, and Scott Reeves, PhD, the play addresses the relationships between different health professionals and how those relationships affect patient care. The workbook provides health care professionals an opportunity to discuss the themes of the play. For more information, visit www.cornellpress.cornell.edu.

Exposure assessment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in November launched EPA-Expo-Box, a Web-based compendium of more than 800 exposure assessment tools that provides links to exposure assessment databases, models and references. EPA-Expo-Box, which was developed as part of the Human Health Risk Assessment Research Program, also includes a searchable list of exposure factors. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/risk/expobox.

Infection prevention

The Joint Commission in November released “Preventing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections: Useful Tools, An International Perspective.” Also developed by Joint Commission Resources and Joint Commission International, the toolkit offers guidance on practices and technologies to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections, which affect thousands of U.S. patients every year. For more information, visit www.jointcommission.org/Topics/Clabsi_toolkit.aspx.

Research misconduct

MIT Press in December published “Research Misconduct Policy in Biomedicine.” Authored by Barbara Redman, PhD, RN, FAAN, a dean and professor in the College of Nursing at Wayne State University, the book examines misconduct policy in scientific research and proposes a new approach that emphasizes institutional context and improved oversight. For more information, visit http://mitpress.mit.edu.

Drug abuse

Omnigraphics in November published “Drug Abuse Sourcebook, Fourth Edition.” The new book offers updated information about the abuse of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications. For more information, visit www.omnigraphics.com.

Alzheimer’s disease

Princeton University Press in November published “The Alzheimer Conundrum: Entanglements of Dementia and Aging.” Authored by Margaret Lock, PhD, a professor in the Department of Social Studies of Medicine and the Department of Anthropology at McGill University, the book argues that a public health approach should be taken to help reduce vulnerability to Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.press.princeton.edu.

Natalie McGill contributed to this report.