*
The Amarillo VA has focused much of their efforts on increased patient education. They offer patient orientation sessions where patients can meet face-to-face with caregivers. Additionally, Amarillo VA has developed an electronic patient consent form to assist in communications between patients and care providers.

Citation of Merit: McLeod Regional Medical Center - Florence, S.C.
McLeod Regional Medical Center, a 336-bed tertiary and teaching hospital, uses data to drive quality improvement efforts. Senior hospitals leaders, including the board, are deeply engaged and committed to quality and patient safety efforts that can improve care for patients. McLeod Regional has also recognized the value patients can play in quality improvement efforts and are working to engage them and solicit feedback.
*
Hospital leaders meet daily to conduct patient rounds where they meet with patients to discuss their experience and perception of care. The process has helped to identify safety concerns and opportunities to improve patient care, as well as provided an opportunity to enhance interaction between hospital management and front-line caregivers.
*
McLeod typically identifies between three and five improvement projects each quarter to ensure a shared focus and manageability. Outcomes are tracked and reported regularly.

For more information on the award, including the 2008 Call for Nominations and award application, visit the Quest for Quality Web site at www.aha.org/questforquality.
About AHA

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to health improvement in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include almost 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, and other providers of care. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the Web site at www.aha.org.
About McKesson Corporation

McKesson Corporation (NYSE: MCK), currently ranked 18th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes and improving the quality and safety of patient care. McKesson is the oldest company in healthcare today and will mark 175 years of continuous operation in 2008. McKesson provides pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management across the spectrum of care; healthcare information technology for hospitals, physicians, homecare and payors; hospital and retail pharmacy automation; and services for manufacturers and payors designed to improve outcomes for patients. For more information, visit us at www.mckesson.com.
About McKesson Foundation

The McKesson Foundation supports community-based programs and services aimed at improving the health status of at-risk children and adults. The Foundation is funded by McKesson Corporation, a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes and improving the quality and safety of patient care.

Back to HCB News

More Industry Headlines