HealthCare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement articles from August 2002

HealthCare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement archives from August 2002

IMPACT seeks breakthrough improvements in quality; `transparency,' sharing of results to characterize IMPACT.
August 1, 2002... Key Points * Patient safety, flow, and office procedures are among key areas targeted. * The Institute for Healthcare Improvement will provide faculty to help analyze results of QI projects. * Collaborative, results-oriented group...

A positive sentinel event? AI says it's possible; use root-cause analysis in excellent outcomes, too.(appreciative inquiry)
August 1, 2002... Key Points * Identifying the process increases the likelihood of recreating success stories. * Emphasizing good performance boosts morale, and aids recruitment and retention. * Learned processes can be transported to other areas...

Poor communication is common cause of errors; communication critical, says JCAHO official.(Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Key Points * Identification of root causes, recommended strategies are at odds. * The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations offers its own strategies for improving communications. * Limiting verbal orders...

Program delays disability in the chronically ill; self-efficacy is basis of program for chronically ill.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Key Points * Program teaches participants skills for addressing several different diseases. * Patients save $400 to $500 over a two-year period by limiting visits. * Course is taught by lay leaders in hospitals, churches, and...

Use strategic thinking to avoid unanticipated results; study indicates strategic framework is a must.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Key Points * Single-mindedness can lead to unintended, and detrimental, results. * Environment can seem to drive positive changes but yield negative outcomes. * Having a larger nursing staff can improve financial performance. ...

Pros ask, `where are the access benchmarks?' NAHAM standards due at end of 2002.(National Association for Healthcare Access Management)
August 1, 2002... Access managers increasingly are seeking reliable benchmarks against which to measure staff productivity and revenue management achievements, saying there is little or no meaningful information available. Eager to establish fair standards...

AHA releases disaster readiness advisory.(American Hospital Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The American Hospital Association (AHA) in Chicago has issued a disaster readiness advisory. As part of this process, AHA has sent out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations for a national smallpox vaccination...