Multifocal Clinical Performance Improvement Across 21 Hospitals

J Healthc Qual. 2015 Mar-Apr;37(2):117-25. doi: 10.1111/jhq.12039.

Abstract

Improving quality and safety across an entire healthcare system in multiple clinical areas within a short time frame is challenging. We describe our experience with improving inpatient quality and safety at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. The foundations of performance improvement are a “four-wheel drive” approach and a comprehensive driver diagram linking improvement goals to focal areas. By the end of 2011, substantial improvements occurred in hospital-acquired infections (central-line–associated bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile infections); falls; hospital-acquired pressure ulcers; high-alert medication and surgical safety; sepsis care; critical care; and The Joint Commission core measures.

MeSH terms

  • California
  • Efficiency, Organizational
  • Humans
  • Inpatients
  • Multi-Institutional Systems
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Safety
  • Quality Improvement / organization & administration*