PULSE of NY is a grassroots patient saety organization and since 1997 we have been educating the public about patient safety.

1. Service of PULSE of NY
www.pulseofny.org
1(800) 96 PULSE
pulse516@aol.com
Mission Statement
Revised 2005
PULSE is dedicated to raising awareness about patient
safety and reducing medical errors through advocacy,
education, and support. We work to empower the public to
make informed decisions, increase effective
communication and respect between healthcare providers
and the public, and create community partnerships that will
foster and ultimately lead to safer healthcare environments.

2. We:
• Provide support to patients and families who have
experienced medical errors or adverse events.
• Assist in reducing misunderstandings between patients and
healthcare providers.
• Educate the community about quality healthcare practice so
they may become knowledgeable, confident, and active
participants in their health care experience.
• Provide a platform for effective communication and working
partnerships whereby the community works with healthcare
providers and institutions to proactively contribute to, and
advocate for safe quality care.

3. PULSE POLICIES:
PULSE Representatives;
• Encourage advocacy, partnership and education in
healthcare.
• Offers support, counseling and friendship.
• Encourages the use of real life stories in provider education.
• Does not use the names of facilities or healthcare providers
publicly.
• Does not give legal or medical advice or referrals.
• Only gives public statements to the press that adheres to our
mission.
• Participants do not share information discussed at meetings
with non-participants.
• Encourages record keeping of all avoidable adverse events

4. Teaching Teens Advocacy
PULSE has a fun and interactive program that educates
teens on their role as being active participants in their
Healthcare for the best possible outcome.
Some subjects include:
•Avoiding infections
•Communication
•Advocacy for yourself or your family members.
•Development for this program was funded in part by a
grant from NY State Senator Charles Fuschillo Jr.

5. Teaching Families Patient
Advocacy
PULSE works directly with patients and their families encouraging them to take an
active role as partners in their care. The Family Centered Patient Advocacy
Training Manual due in the fall of 2007 will help family and friends become
partners with medical professionals to improve outcomes in care. National patient
safety leaders participated in this project.
Funding for this project came from:
•Gilead Sciences Inc.
•Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund
•National Patient Safety Foundation
•North Shore LIJ Health System and
•NY State Senator Kemp Hannon

6. Sample Literature
This is just some of the information available from nationally recognized
patient safety organizations distributed by PULSE. Teen literature is the only
original information developed by PULSE. Other information distributed and
discussed during community health presentations comes from AHRQ, NPSF,
and The Joint Commission.
Most literature is donated.

7. Raising Awareness
Health literacy, communication and “teach back” methods are often discussed
during hospital and community presentations. Visuals are used during all
presentations and discussions to raise awareness of the dangers of medication
use and ways errors can happen.

8. Sharing Through Work Groups
Collaboration between medical professionals and community members are an
important part of the work PULSE does. All programs are developed with input
from all relevant parties. Medical professionals are usually invited to speak with
community members. Patients and families are often invited to share their
experiences.

9. Patient Safety can be Fun!
Events in the community can “celebrate” patient safety. PULSE tries to include the
community in “Patient Safety Awareness Week” activities.

10. Organizations / Affiliations
• http://www.jointcommission.org/
– PULSE of NY President Ilene Corina is a member of the board of
the Joint Commission. Since 2005, she has been on numerous
committees and represents the public member of the board
• http://www.npsf.org/
– PULSE of NY President Ilene Corina is a board member of the
National Patient Safety Foundation and a founding member of
the NPSF Patient and Family Advisory Council. She co-chaired
the PFAC from 2002 – 2006.
www.sorryworks.net – Ilene Corina is a board member of Sorry
Works!
www.hospitalinfection.org- Ilene Corina is a coalition member of
RID
• Long Island Women’s Agenda
• Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of NY

11. Other Services:
• Speakers for community organizations and civic
groups.
– Rotary
– Kiwanis
– AARP
– PTA
– SEPTA
– Chamber of Commerce
– Senior Groups
– Churches
– Community Advisory Boards

12. All presentations include interactive discussions and
may include topics related to disclosure, the patient
and families role in patient safety and / or support
services following a medical injury
• Recent presentations for Medical
Professionals:
Idaho Hospital Association
NY City Health and Hospital Corporation
– Harlem Hospital
– Lincoln Hospital
– Jacobi Hospital………………………
Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi
Harvard Quality Colloquium

13. Family Centered Patient
Advocacy
• Training family and friends of patients to
advocate for the best care possible
through partnerships.
– Training available for medical professionals to
become educators.

15. Patient Consultant Services
• Helping the patient and the family prepare
for procedures, surgery or medical
treatment.
– Organize medications,
– Organize names and providers of health care,
– Review the health care proxy
– Discuss family involvement
and much, much more……………

16. Brochure and Film Review
• Community members and medical
professionals are available to review your
literature before it is distributed.
Public Service Announcements
• We will work with your organization to
develop PSA’s (samples available)

17. Support
• Support groups and counseling service
referrals for patients and the families
experiencing a medical error, adverse
event or unplanned outcome in health
care.
• Internet chat rooms moderated and peer
led developed for patients and families to
receive national and local support.

18. Contact
For more information about PULSE of NY, visit
www.pulseofny.org
Phone # (516) 579-4711
Fax # (516) 520-8105
E-Mail: PULSE516@aol.com
Community health education programs
related to patient safety can be developed for
your needs.