Health Quality Innovators (HQI) awarded Phelps Health the Gold Award through the Health Quality Improvement Contractors (HQIC) Recognition Program. This prestigious award highlights the health system’s efforts to improve patient safety and healthcare quality. This acknowledgment comes after a challenging 4 years marked by a pandemic, workforce shortages and rising workplace violence. Through these difficulties, Phelps Health remained committed to advancing quality care for patients and the community.
Key improvements and initiatives at Phelps Health:
- Earned the HQI Innovator Award for reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections
- Shared best practices with other hospitals to prevent bloodstream infections and improve antibiotic use
- Reduced the number of severe colon infections caused by the C. difficile bacteria
- Lowered the occurrence of pressure ulcers in patients
- Decreased patient injuries due to falls
- Maintained a zero rate of severe blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Introduced a discharge planning checklist to improve patient care transitions
- Established shift-change meetings and bedside reporting involving patients and families to improve communication
- Appointed a dedicated leader to oversee patient and family engagement efforts
- Created a Patient and Family Advisory Council that reports directly to the Phelps Health Board of Trustees, ensuring patients’ voices are heard
- Launched a system to screen patients for social factors that impact their health
“At Phelps Health, we are honored to receive this recognition for our dedicated work in the HQIC program,” said Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer Keri Brookshire-Heavin. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our incredible team, who continuously strive to improve the health and safety of the patients we serve across south-central Missouri.”
Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs more than 1,900 people with 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville, Missouri. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org.
Health Quality Innovators (HQI) is an independent, non-profit consulting organization that offers healthcare providers practical solutions backed by objectivity and expertise. They consult on complex government healthcare programs, implement change on the front lines of care and shine new light on improvement challenges. HQI brings together organizations and individuals who are making healthcare better for millions of Americans through funding provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Members include hospitals, providers, community-based organizations, healthcare associations and families. www.hqi.solutions
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