Member Report: Quality Trends and the AHA Patient Safety Initiative

Quality as Defined by Members Report
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) presents insights from the Quality Collective (QC), a collaborative platform addressing health care quality improvement challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • QC members note a dynamic shift in the definition of quality, with 60% experiencing changes over the past three years.
  • Clinical strengths include patient safety, infection prevention and emergency preparedness, while areas for improvement include population health management and health equity.
  • QC outlines priorities for the future, emphasizing a commitment to safe, timely, effective, equitable, patient-centered and affordable care.
  • Anticipating the increasing role of technology, members foresee the prevalence of artificial intelligence in disinfection practices.

The AHA introduces the Patient Safety Initiative, building on QC success, to empower hospitals in national health care safety discussions. The initiative aims to enhance engagement, public trust and data accuracy while reducing preventable harms and inequities. AHA, with extensive membership, leads the initiative through research, collaboration and data sharing, reinforcing its commitment and leadership in the health care field.

The AHA acknowledges hospitals' commitment to providing safe, high-quality care amid the expanded definition of quality post-COVID-19. The QC, launched as a collaborative platform, engaged leaders in quality improvement over three months. Members focused on co-designing strategies to address current needs and shape the future trajectory of quality standards. The report highlights successes, innovative solutions and a redefined culture rooted in quality and performance. The AHA expresses gratitude to participants for their contributions in fostering a just society of healthy communities.

Key Resources