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FROM QUINT Recently I heard a CEO of a large high-performing health system say something that moved me deeply. In his address to all leaders in his organization, he said that even if the system was in the 99.9th percentile for patient safey, 25 patients would die in their organization this year due to errors. He said that would be 25 patients too many and reminded leaders that they were each responsible for ensuring there was a safe environment. Instead of talking about external pressures and challenges in health care as many leaders do, this CEO embraced a no excuses culture and created a real sense of urgency for everyone in the room to take ownership. In my experience, gaps in patient safety usually occur for a variety of reasons. These include high staff turnover, training systems that don't work as well as they should, and lack of structured handoffs between caregivers. Quality clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction are increased with tools that ensure consistent communication between employees as well as between staff and patients. In this issue of Hardwired Results, I'd like to share some of these with you. For example, you can learn how Hourly RoundingSM on patients reduces patient falls and skin breakdowns. (Or request a reprint of the complete study published in the September 2006 issue of the American Journal of Nursing.) You will also learn how individualized patient care improves pain management. And, if your organization is struggling with how to partner effectively with physicians, be sure to read "Getting—and Keeping—Physicians On Board" for best practices courtesy of three physician leaders who get results. I hope you find this issue helpful. Yours in service, Quint Studer |
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