Erin Dickerson, RN 6S OPS CVI All Star Award

“First do no harm” is a fundamental principle of medical ethics that CVI employees strive to achieve every day.  When members of the CVI care team began to see patient skin tears related to the EKG electrodes, they reported their concerns via SafeWatch.  The CVI Quality and CAPS teams began an investigation, a MedSun report was submitted and the CVI Business & VAT teams graciously coordinated a formal trial of alternative electrodes.  The trial participants concluded that the trial electrodes were superior to our current product, and Carilion is moving to a new electrode vendor based on the trial outcome.  Multiple reports of this concern increased awareness and precipitated a coordinated response from many departments to acquire the best product for our patients.  The SafeWatch reports led to a change in electrode vendors, improving patient safety and reducing costs. Of note, additional SafeWatch reports of this concern were submitted anonymously, and we are very grateful to those who are not named in this CVI All-Star Award.