Hospital Peer Review – December 1, 2003
December 1, 2003
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Educating staff on tracer methodology is a must: Survey results depend on it
Are staff at your facility skeptical that surveyors from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations really will be asking them the questions during your next survey? -
Use tool to prepare staff for new survey process
Shown here is a case presentation developed by Catherine M. Fay, RN, director of performance improvement at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, CA, to help managers prepare staff for the Shared Visions New Pathways survey process, including the new tracer methodology: -
Comparative performance data now ready for use
Whether or not your hospital currently is participating in the National Voluntary Reporting Initiative, you can make good use of the just-released first round of hospital performance data. The data for 400 hospitals were posted on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) web site, and another 600 hospitals are expected to have data posted by February 2004. -
Accreditation Field Report: Quality control is major theme during survey
If Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations surveyors noted a potential problem area in one department at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, MI, they didnt stop there. Instead, they zealously looked for evidence of the same problem throughout the facility. -
The Quality-Cost Connection: Gathering and reporting CPR performance data
Trending of resuscitation survival rates and other cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) measures of performance can help caregivers pinpoint potential problem areas. The Joint Commissions standards are somewhat vague with regard to what CPR factors should be monitored regularly. At a minimum, hospitals should be evaluating CPR survival rates; however, to ensure high-quality patient care and reduce liability concerns, all of the key issues affecting in-hospital resuscitations should be evaluated regularly. -
SARS audio program updates guidelines
Leading epidemiologists say a global return of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which wreaked havoc on the health care systems that had to deal with it is almost inevitable. The current overriding concern is that SARS will resurface as a seasonal illness along with influenza and other respiratory infections. -
Patient Satisfaction Planner: Boost patient satisfaction while enhancing safety
From testing to telemetry, patient care is being brought to the bedside of a growing number of patients across the country. Engendered by constantly evolving and improving technology, patient-focused care is demonstrating a significant potential for improving patient safety while bolstering satisfaction. -
Patient Satisfaction Planner: New program helps breast cancer patients
A case management program for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at MeritCare Health System in Fargo, ND, helps women smoothly navigate through the health care maze as they make treatment decisions.