Brenda Johnson, MEd, CCMEP (The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston)
Synopsis
This poster presentation will demonstrate how UTMB has improved system based practice by training faculty and staff in quality improvement tools and strategies using an interprofessional team approach. Specific emphasis is placed on team approaches to reducing readmission rates.
Purpose
Data obtained from University of Texas Medical Branch survey conducted by Press Ganey indicated that a key area of improvement at UTMB is reduction of hospital readmission rates. The purpose of this project is to improve hospital readmission rates by providing interprofessional healthcare teams at UTMB with instruction necessary to perform clinical practice improvement in an efficient and effective manner.
Methods
A physician led interprofessional healthcare team is being trained in the utilization of quality improvement tools with the goal to reduce hospital readmission rates by 20% by May 2012. This team is currently engaged in an 8-day training program over a 4 month period in which they will gain knowledge of PSDA Cycles, aim statements, cause and effect diagrams, flowcharts, statistical process control charts and return on investment (ROI) techniques.
Results
The performance improvement plan is currently under development. The improvement must be implemented and measured in order for students to graduate from the course in May 2012. Based on previous implementation of this course in other UT System health care institutions (UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center), improvements can be expected.
Conclusion
Demonstrated improvements in clinical safety and effectiveness can be achieved and sustained when interprofessional healthcare teams are empowered with quality improvement tools. Implementation of the Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Educational Program at UTMB resulted in demonstrated reduction of hospital readmission rates.
Declaration
Institutional Affiliation: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
