Arnold Mackles, MD, MBA
Innovative Healthcare Compliance Group, Inc.
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
(561) 762-1906 –
https://www.drmackles.com/
Healthcare Risk Manager
Patient Safety Expert
Keynote Speaker / Presenter • Program Development • Industry Consultant • Expert Witness
Arnold Mackles, MD, MBA is a nationally recognized expert on Patient Safety. The mission of Dr. Mackles’ 35 year healthcare career has been to provide access to the highest quality care; first, during his 23 years of practice as a neonatal physician and then, for the past 12 years, as a National Patient Safety Expert in all areas of medical practice.
Dr. Mackles’ specific areas of expertise include: Proactive Prevention of Medical Errors, Risk Management, Healthcare Performance Improvement Strategies, Creating / Maintaining a Culture of Patient Safety Excellence, Benchmarking Industry Leading Communication Protocols, Safe and Accurate Medication Delivery, Root Cause Analysis, Healthcare Technology, Medical Documentation, and Emerging Leadership Strategies in Patient Safety.
He places a strong focus on systemic problems inherent within organizations and with individual providers that result in adverse patient outcomes.
Dr. Mackles is an industry Thought Leader who brings a refreshing, no-nonsense, and solutions-based approach to all areas of Patient Safety. He plays many roles within the Healthcare space that include Expert Witness, Continuing Medical and Nursing Education Program Developer and Facilitator, Keynote Speaker, and Industry Consultant.
As an Expert Witness and Consultant, Dr. Mackles’ fundamental philosophy is based on identifying root causation in the event of adverse patient safety circumstances and medical errors. He conducts in-depth organizational / facility evaluations, assesses strengths and weaknesses, provides key recommendations for sustainable and effective change, and provides methodologies for ensuring measurable results.
Dr. Mackles incorporates a team approach consistent with individual accountability. His programs have been nationally acclaimed as timely, necessary, and valuable. While the healthcare industry rides the wave of national transformation and strategic shifts, Dr. Mackles’ programs and approach are pragmatic, contemporary, and ‘ahead of the wave.’ He leads the field in his commitment to improving patient safety, reducing medical errors, and enhancing the overall reputation of the healthcare industry. Program evaluations from physicians, nurses, CME directors, senior management, and attorneys are outstanding and verifiable.
Dr. Mackles is an industry change agent, a problem solver and a creator of a positive organizational culture. He offers relationship management services both to healthcare institutions and its principle partners. His technical, organizational and negotiation knowledge and skills allow him to successfully manage the complex relationship issues that are ever-present in the provider sector of healthcare. His background as a Neonatologist, Patient Safety Expert Witness, Physician Reviewer, Author, and Presenter position Dr. Mackles as one of the nation’s top experts on the subjects of patient safety and risk management. He teaches and promotes new, cutting-edge subject matter, while researching emerging trends to ensure full compliance with healthcare protocols and policies to meet stringent client mandates and objectives.
Dr. Mackles assures that his programs and strategic approach for patient safety are predicated on a clear and precise communications infrastructure. Technology can, often times, replace written documentation such as medical orders. But verbal communications must also be mastered as well. Dr. Mackles imparts key strategies to ensure that the ‘right’ questions are asked; the ‘right’ amount of time is given to provide the ‘right’ answers; and the ‘right’ backup supports are in place to achieve the ‘right’ outcomes… namely the highest quality of patient care possible and the reduction (or elimination) of preventable medical errors.
Dr. Mackles is a former hospital-based physician with more than 23 years of experience, specializing in neonatology. He was a Neonatologist / Pediatrician for Pediatrix Medical Group, Florida Regional Neonatal Associates, and St. Mary’s Hospital (all located in South Florida), between 1983 and 2005. His experience and background as a physician clearly exposed him to the challenges the medical profession faced and the need to significantly improve patient care to reduce medical errors. In 2006, Dr. Mackles made the decision to become a full time advocate for patient safety. He now travels the country as a speaker, trainer, expert witness, and consultant to improve patient safety and reduce or eliminate avoidable medical errors.
Dr. Mackles’ credentials include a Neonatology Fellowship from Cornell University Medical Center, a Pediatric Residency from Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, a Medical Degree (MD) from the University of Bologna in Italy, an MBA Degree from Nova Southeastern University, and he received his Bachelor’s Degree (Pre Med) from Syracuse University.
Dr. Mackles attained his Healthcare Risk Management Licensure through studies at the University of South Florida. He is a Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) awarded by Healthcare Compliance Resources (currently certified by the AAPC, Salt Lake City, UT). He has served as an Instructor and Program Developer for the Risk Management and Patient Safety Program at the University of Florida, and participated as an instructor and faculty member of the University of South Florida Distance Education Risk Management Licensure Program.
Dr. Mackles is currently a physician reviewer for the monthly newsletter “Healthcare Risk Management,” published by Relias Learning (formerly AHC Media). He is also a member of the Publication’s Editorial Board.
In addition, Dr. Mackles is the author of 10 accredited on-line continuing medical and nursing education courses on patient safety topics offered by The Sullivan Group.
Dr. Mackles is an active member of the Florida Society of Healthcare Risk Management and Patient Safety (FSHRMPS) and was elected to the Board of Directors from 2006 to 2008, and again between 2014 and 2015. He is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) and has presented at their National Meetings. In addition, Dr. Mackles is affiliated with the American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety.
SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Arnold Mackles, MD, MBA
Innovative Healthcare Compliance Group, Inc. (https://www.drmackles.com)
Healthcare Risk Manager, 2006 to Present
- Patient Safety / Risk Management Consultant and Expert Witness
- CME Online Course Author and Presenter (Patient Safety)
- Speaker and Presenter
Relias Learning (AHC Media) Monthly Publication “Healthcare Risk Management”
(https://www.ahcmedia.com/newsletters/17-healthcare-risk-management)
Physician Reviewer and Member of the Editorial Board, 2015 to Present
Arnold Mackles, MD, MBA in Collaboration with The Sullivan Group
(https://www.thesullivangroup.com/RSQSolutions/)
Online CME Patient Safety Program Creator and Facilitator, 2011 to Present
- 10+ Comprehensive Online Continuing Medical and Nursing Education Courses
University of Florida Risk Management & Patient Safety Program
Patient Safety Course Author and Instructor, 2011 to 2013
University of South Florida Distance Education Risk Management Licensure Program
Faculty Member, Instructor, 2016 to 2017
South Florida Medical Facilities
Physician: Neonatologist, 1983 to 2005
Professional Affiliations
- American Society of HealthCare Risk Management
- Florida Society for Healthcare Risk Management and Patient Safety, Board of Director 2006-2008 and 2014-2015
- American Medical Association
- Florida Medical Association
- Palm Beach County Medical Society
- Palm Beach Pediatric Society
- American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety
ADDENDUM
TOPICS / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE
Select Speaking Topics (CME and Non CME Subject Matter):
- Prevention of Medical Errors
- Communication in Healthcare
- 11 Strategies to Reduce Medication Errors
- Essentials of Patient Safety
- The Technology Revolution in Healthcare
- Improving Patient Satisfaction
- Patient Safety Leadership: Year 2018 and Beyond
- “Culture” in Healthcare: Role in Patient Safety Improvement
- Insuring Patient Safety in Nursing Homes
- Managing Patient Safety and Quality in Healthcare
- Team Work to Reduce Medical Errors and Increase Patient Safety
- Reducing Healthcare Liability, Improving Quality, and Decreasing Costs
- Ethics in Healthcare for the 21st Century
- Patients as Partners in Healthcare: Patient Responsibilities
- Responding to Medical Errors: Root Cause Analysis and Failure Mode Analysis
- Assisted Living Centers: Creating a Culture of Safety
- Communication and Safety of Patients in Surgical / Ambulatory Care Centers
- Disclosure of Medical Errors
- Federal Patient Safety Legislation Effecting Providers (Patient Safety Act, HITECH Act, Affordable Care Act)
- Sentinel Events, Critical Alerts, and National Patient Safety Goals
- The Pivotal Role of CME in Reducing Medical Errors
- Physician Burnout: Effect on Patient Care
- Healthcare-Acquired Conditions
- Never Events
- Healthcare Handoffs, Transitions, and Discharges
- Reducing Hospital Readmissions
- Medical Record Documentation
7 Strategies to Reduce Hospital Readmissions
Topics covered include:
- Targeting “At Risk” Patients
- Effective Communication
- Quality Performance Measures
- Coordination and Continuity of Patient Care
- Effective Discharge Planning
- Medication Reconciliation
- Patient Safety and Satisfaction
- In-Hospital Preventative Health Measures
- Risk Reduction for Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Safety of Handoffs (Medical Information, and Patients)
Handoffs, Transitions, and Discharges: Critical Moments in Patient Care
Topics covered include:
- Strategies to Improve Information Transfer
- Emergency Department Communication
- Proven Inpatient Handoff Techniques
- Medication Reconciliation
- Care Transitions Models
- Ensuring Safe Discharges
- Reducing Hospital Readmissions
Strategies to Reduce Medication Errors
Topics covered include:
- The Prevalence and Impact of Medication Errors
- Improving the Medication Delivery System
- Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alerts Concerning Medications
- Specific Strategies for Medication Error Reduction and Prevention
- Efficacy of Computer Provider Order Entry / Bar Code Medication Administration Systems
Prevention of Medical Errors in 2018
Topics covered include:
- How Far We’ve Come – How Much Farther We Have to Go
- Frequently Misdiagnosed Conditions
- Medication Errors
- Root Cause Analysis
- Techniques to Improve Communication in Healthcare
- Strategies for Error Reduction and Prevention
- Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals
- Technology for Patient Safety (Benefits and Pitfalls)
- Reducing Hospital Readmissions
- Healthcare-Acquired Conditions
Communication…Communication…Communication: Strategies for a Safer Healthcare System
Topics covered include:
- Prevalence and Impact of Communication Errors in Healthcare
- Current Challenges that Face Healthcare Professionals and the System
- Medical Training and Communication
- Legal Implications of Miscommunication
- Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals Pertaining to Communication
- Healthcare “Handoffs.” Techniques to Improve Communication During “Handoffs”
- Communication for Office and Ambulatory Care Settings
- Effective Strategies to Improve Provider – Patient Communication
Communication Strategies for Ambulatory Care
Topics covered include:
- Prevalence and Impact of Communication Errors in Ambulatory Care
- Current Challenges that Face Healthcare Professionals and the System
- Techniques to Improve Communication in Clinics and Office Settings
- Legal Implications of Miscommunication
- Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals Pertaining to Communication
- Methodologies to Improve Communication for Referrals and “Handoffs”
- Office Electronic Medical Records: Pluses and Pitfalls
- Effective Strategies to Improve Ambulatory Provider – Patient Communication
Essentials of Patient Safety
Topics covered include:
- Basic Principles of Patient Safety
- Preventing Medication Errors
- Confidential and Privileged Reporting of Adverse Events
- Improving Communication and Handoffs
- Global Strategies for Error Reduction and Prevention
- Physicians’ Role as Patient Safety Leaders
- Creating a “Culture of Safety”
The Technology Revolution – The Future is Here
Topics covered include:
- Latest Research and Medical Studies on Patient Safety Technologies
- Current Use of Electronic Systems and Barriers to Adoption; Physician Concerns
- Financial Incentives to Providers: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- Efficacy of Patient Safety Technology
Simplifying Patient Safety
Topics covered include:
- New Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alerts
- Techniques to Improve Handoffs and Transitions
- Reducing Hospital Readmissions
- Global Strategies for Error Reduction and Prevention
- Physicians’ Role as Patient Safety Leaders
- Efficacy of Patient Safety Technology
Creating a Patient Safety Culture in Healthcare
Topics covered include:
- Evaluating Healthcare Culture
- The Role of Teamwork in Culture Creation
- Providing an Open and Transparent Environment
- Addressing Disruptive Behavior
- Leadership Responsibilities in a Safety Culture
- Confidential and Privileged Reporting of Adverse Events
Reducing Liability, Improving Quality, and Decreasing Healthcare Costs
Topics covered include:
- Patient Safety Strategies to Reduce Liability
- Techniques to Improve Communication in Healthcare
- Patient Satisfaction, Safety, and Quality
- Cost Effective Medication Delivery
- Reducing Hospital Readmissions
- Decreasing Cost and Liability with Technology
Medical Ethics for Daily Practice
Topics covered include:
- Principles of Medical Ethics
- Historical Medical Ethics Cases
- Applying Ethical Principles to Daily Practice / Patient Care
- Guidelines for Ethical Decision Making
- Providers’ Ethical Responsibilities
- Ethics, Technology and Confidentiality
- Ethical Issues for The Future
Ethics for Daily Pediatric Practice
Topics covered include:
- Principles of Medical Ethics
- Historical Medical Ethics Cases
- Applying Ethical Principles to Daily Pediatric Practice / Patient Care
- Guidelines for Ethical Pediatric Decision Making
- Provider’s Ethical Responsibilities
- Ethics, Technology, and Confidentiality
- Ethical Issues for The Future
Patient Safety Leadership: Year 2018 and Beyond
Topics covered include:
- Why Leadership? Why Now?
- Leadership Qualities and Characteristics
- Leadership Strategies in Healthcare
- Engaging Providers
- Strategies to Impact Governing Boards
- Physicians’ Role as Patient Safety Leaders
Sentinel Events, Critical Alerts, and National Safety Goals
Topics covered include:
- Prevalence and Impact of Sentinel Events
- Recent Sentinel Event “Alerts”
- Medication Errors and Adverse Events
- Simple Strategies to Avoid Medical Errors
- Communication Techniques to Reduce Mistakes
- Safety Goals for Daily Practice
- Avoiding Post Discharge Adverse Events
Rules, Regulations, and Risk
Topics covered include:
- Hospital, Nursing Home, and Clinic Codes of Conduct
- Standards of Medical, Nursing Practice
- Malpractice and Negligence
- The Medical Record: Proper Charting and Documentation
- EMTALA and HIPPA
Reducing Healthcare-Acquired Conditions
Topics covered include:
- Surgical Site Infections
- Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections
- Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections
- Falls
- Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
- Post-Operative Venous Thromboembolism
Recent Blogs Authored by Dr. Mackles for The Sullivan Group
http://blog.thesullivangroup.com/author/arnie-mackles
Preventing Surgical Site Infections
September 25, 2017
Preventing CAUTI (Catheter-Associated UTI)
September 18, 2017
Preventing Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI)
September 5, 2017
Healthcare-Associated Infections
August 28, 2017
Improving Healthcare Handoffs
June 19, 2017
Strategies to Improve Provider-Patient Communication
May 22, 2017
Your Hospital Safety Culture: Strengths and Weaknesses
March 13, 2017
Communication Breakdowns in Healthcare: A Significant Cause of Risk and Malpractice Litigation
June 27, 2016
Creating a Patient Safety Culture
March 14, 2016
7 Strategies to Reduce Hospital Readmissions
February 16, 2016
Accredited Continuing Online Medical Education (CME) and Nursing Educational Courses (CE)
Authored by Dr. Mackles
Available online at the Sullivan Group (https://www.thesullivangroup.com/RSQSolutions/)
- Technology Revolution: Improving Patient Safety, Reducing Liability (2 Hours)
- 11 Simple Strategies to Prevent Medication Errors (2 Hours)
- Essentials of Patient Safety (2 Hours)
- Handoffs, Transitions, and Discharges: Key Moments in Patient Care (2 Hours)
- Prevention of Medical Errors (2 Hours)
- Communication Strategies to Improve Patient Safety in High-Risk Situations (2 Hours)
- 7 Strategies to Reduce Hospital Readmissions (2 Hours)
- Creating a Culture of Safety (2 hours)
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (2 Hours)
- Never Events (2 Hours)