Medicare reimbursements, patient consumerism and healthcare innovations mean that hospital executives need to pay attention to details usually left to facilities managers, according to an article on the Hospitals & Health Networks website.

Key areas of patient safety include infection control and fall prevention.

Laws tying Medicare reimbursement to hospital-acquired infections have caused hospitals to devote more time and money into preventing infections. “Infection control is the main focus for hospitals, and I don’t see it going away,” according to American Society for Healthcare Engineering President-elect Terry M. Scott.

More hospitals are installing electronic patient lifts to reduce patient falls and staff back injuries. They also are using technology such as bed exit alarms and choosing flooring materials and accessories that eliminate a potential tripping hazard.

Read the article.