Case Studies
As the new operations manager of Delaware Valley Hospital's primary care centers began her assessment of current processes, she identified the following problems in the medication sampling program: compliance with current processes was poor; there was no consistency in accepting samples;…
Evidence-based practice is an essential requirement of professional health care providers. Rural health care organizations must maintain financial viability and regulatory compliance; it is imperative that they not only identify and meet the needs of the communities they serve, but evaluate…
North Bronx Healthcare Network devised a process to analyze its departmental risk management data in a systematic and organized fashion to devise a consistent and safe way to administer the high alert medication, oxytocin; to reduce the incidence of shoulder dystocia, Erb's palsy and severe…
An unprecedented cluster of infant falls from post-cesarean section mothers' arms sparked the maternal child nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center to examine their infant safety strategies. These events represented a call to action related to co-sleeping, and a task force was…
Medication, in addition to other treatment options, is an integral part of the care provided to long-term care residents. Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home recently began a medication management optimization initiative to promote resident safety. Quality indicators are discussed…
At Mountainside Residential Care Center's resident council, residents requested an improved dining atmosphere because noise and frequent distractions caused heightened anxiety and agitation. Residents, family, and staff were actively involved in every step of the program design. The Creating…
In 2010, Southampton Hospital discovered that its process for checking and maintaining equipment/supplies on emergency code carts needed improvement. A workgroup was formed using the resources of the resuscitation committee and adding professionals across the organization who are involved in the…
In 2008, a project was underway to renovate Southampton Hospital's emergency department (upgrading from 14 beds to 21 beds) and centralize all emergency department care. While renovations were in progress, the organization concentrated on the patient outcome. The chief executive officer…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' inpatient quality reporting program includes appropriate antibiotic use among community-acquired pneumonia patients in the emergency department as a performance measure. Montefiore Medical Center convened a multidisciplinary team to define…
Overcrowding and bottlenecks with patient flow plague hospitals and emergency rooms across the country. Reasons are many, but outcomes are the same: long waits and limited access to care. Ongoing evaluation of patient flow and key indicator data, including volume, length of stay, and resource…