Hospital Peer Review – December 1, 2002
December 1, 2002
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Big changes ahead in JCAHO’s survey process, so start working now
The Joint Commissions new approach to surveys promises benefits and improvements over the traditional methods, but dont let your guard down just yet. Those who have tried out the new process caution that you could see worse scores under the new system, and you need to start working right now to get ready for the change in 2004. -
6 months for self-assessments, few resources will be needed
The self-assessment requirement in the Shared Visions New Pathways survey process may not be a shock to anyone who has used self-assessment tools already in preparing for a survey. -
Process will direct surveyors to areas needing attention
A primary goal of the Shared Visions New Pathways survey process is to make the system meaningful instead of concentrating on rote recitations of standards or paperwork that seems to indicate compliance but may not. -
Accreditation decision will be handled differently
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations still is working out the details of how it will render an accreditation decision and how it will communicate that decision. -
Quality reports and ratings may not impress patients
One strategy for improving the quality of health care is to evaluate providers and plans, and to publish the results to help consumers make more informed choices. -
Detroit hospitals put their disaster plans to the test
Hospitals are paying much more attention to their Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations-mandated emergency preparedness plans now that terrorist threats could call them into action at any time. -
Nursing shortage can affect patient survival
The continuing shortage of nurses in the United States has a direct effect on patients survival after surgery, according to a new study. -
NCQA: Quality measures up for third year in a row
For the third year in a row, health care quality in the United States improved substantially, despite broad public concerns over cost, the uninsured, patient safety, and other systemwide ills, according to a new report from the Washington, DC-based National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). -
The Quality-Cost Connection: Improve quality with systems thinking
Is your organization plagued by performance-improvement initiatives that fail to achieve their intended goals? Are gains short-lived? -
Patient Satisfaction Planner: Decision-aid tool helps patient communication
Outcome measurement at University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle typically is tied in some way with quality improvement office initiatives. Therefore, to improve patient education, staff recently looked at the quarterly patient satisfaction reports the medical center receives from a vendor. -
Smallpox vaccinations imminent for hospitals
The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently approved a plan that calls for smallpox immunization of 510,000 health care workers. -
Patient Satisfaction Planner: Make a good thing better: One hospital’s rallying call
How does a hospital get a No. 1 ranking and score in the 99th percentile on the South Bend, IN-based Press Ganey Associates patient satisfaction survey? It might have something to do with taking a good situation and continually trying to improve it. -
Patient Satisfaction Planner: Bedside registration: Wireless system’s a hit
Bedside registration in the emergency department (ED) and a new transfer center are the latest innovations helping to define the department of patient access and business operations at Philadelphias Presbyterian Medical Center.