Concurrent Sessions

Monday, September 14, 2009
10:30–11:45 am

Improving Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality Through the Provision of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services for Limited English Proficient Patients (201)
Cheri Wilson

As the U.S. population becomes increasingly racially and ethnically diverse, healthcare organizations have struggled to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS). By 2050, it is projected that minorities will constitute fifty percent of the population. Research studies have documented that language problems reduce the patient safety and healthcare quality of limited English proficient (LEP) patients. The lack of qualified, medical interpreters and inadequate funding are two major impediments to providing these services. In the past, healthcare providers have often resorted to drastic measures in order to provide language services. Untrained interpreters are more likely to commit interpretation errors that can lead to adverse clinical outcomes. Occasionally, a bilingual healthcare provider may be available; however, this is still a less than ideal circumstance. In the absence of any language services, care can be compromised or delayed. In other instances, the outcomes can be catastrophic.

Creating and Sustaining Strong System Improvements from the Root Cause Analysis Process (202)
Susan White

As a result of the RCA process to analyze sentinel events, corrective action items and outcomes are identified. Frequently actions recommended are not the strongest design to create and sustain improvement at the system level. Evidence on what constitutes strong action to ensure correction gets to the root causes will be presented. Specific examples of strong actions and lessons learned will be described so they can be translated into individual organizations.

Run Chart Savvy: The Latest in Using Run Charts Well for Improvement (203)
Sandra Murray

Run charts are a vital, yet under used, tool for professionals involved in improvement. We have learned so very much the last couple of years regarding more powerful use of this key tool! In this fun, hands-on-session we will address the many ways we can use run charts in improvement to include the use of small multiples, stratification and more. Participants will learn how to analyze a run chart to rapidly detect improvement. We will also address guidelines for graphical excellence with run charts so that participants leave with the skills to use and display present superb run charts.

The Impact of Internal Quality Data on the External Environment (204)
Stephanie Iorio

Transparency of healthcare quality and cost data is emerging as a major trend. Several national initiatives have been launched with the intent to ensure quality healthcare, reduce waste, and increase adherence to evidence-based protocols. Public reporting has empowered consumers to make more informed healthcare decisions while encouraging providers and clinicians to improve the quality of care delivered. With this concept evolving, value-based purchasing programs are also emerging in an attempt to link reimbursement to quality. Many health plans, large employers, and government agencies are collecting and publishing quality and safety data in order to reward those with efficient care and better outcomes. The use of performance measures is growing and, increasingly, these measures will be publicly reported and influence behavior. As participation continues to grow, healthcare organizations must take a proactive approach to the data collection and dissemination of information surrounding safety, quality and efficiency initiatives.

JHQ Writing Workshop: Publishing Innovations in Healthcare Quality (205)
Angela Richardson

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