Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – November 1, 2003

November 1, 2003

• Progress in data collection improves alignment but adds new challenges

  As the experts will attest, benchmarking is part science, part art. The science of data capture is becoming more sophisticated all the time, although a relatively small number of institutions currently are taking advantage of state-of-the-art, fully integrated systems.

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• East-West synthesis drives change model

  The unique fusion of a process for major change created at the Harvard School of Business and a Japanese business culture model where change is driven by department managers and staff rather than by top leadership has helped power a successful customer service initiative at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

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• Stroke centers can cut LOS, boost outcomes

  Stroke centers with specialized stroke teams have the potential to improve outcomes and decrease lengths of stay (LOS) for facilities that previously have relied solely on pre-hospital and emergency department (ED) infrastructure.

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• CAM a special challenge for cardiac care

  A study published this spring and follow-up work yet to be released underscore an as-yet unmet challenge presented by many heart patients: An extraordinarily high percentage of these patients turn to CAM (complimentary alternative medicine) therapies in addition to their prescribed meds, often to their detriment.

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• Collaborative patient safety program launched

  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in Rockville, MD, and the Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS) in Ann Arbor, MI, are collaborating on the Patient Safety Improvement Corps, a training program for state health officials and their selected hospital partners. During the first annual program, 50 participants will complete coursework in three one-week sessions at AHRQs offices.

  Read more about Collaborative patient safety program launched - Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Archives – November 1, 2003