Houston Healthcare’s Participation In The National100k Lives Campaign Contributed To An Estimated 122,300 Lives Saved Nationwide
Houston Healthcare’s participation in the 100,000 Lives Campaign has contributed to the estimated 122,300 number of lives saved by this unprecedented national initiative by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Through the implementation of five proven healthcare interventions, Houston Healthcare saved the lives of more than 61 patients locally.
“Using the IHI’s calculation, our goal for the 18-month period of the 100,000 Lives Campaign was to save 30 lives in our hospital,” said Dr. Tony Alford, CEO of Houston Healthcare. “By implementing these specific interventions recommended by IHI to more than 3,000 hospitals nationwide participating in the campaign, we were able to exceed our estimated goal and save more lives. The collaboration between our staff and physicians has made this initiative successful.”
Through the partnership with IHI, Houston Healthcare implemented the following interventions:
- Activated a Rapid Response Team to decrease codes and improve patient outcome. Research shows that, six to eight hours prior to a code situation, there have been signs and symptoms present that indicated impending problems for the patient that could have been averted with earlier intervention.
- Reduced the rate of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) by 66 percent. Since 4th quarter 2005, Houston Healthcare has experienced a zero VAP rate.
- Prevented patients who are receiving medicines and fluids through central lines from developing infections. Since 3rd quarter 2005, Houston Healthcare has experienced a zero rate.
- Reduced adverse drug events by implementing a Medication Reconciliation process which reviews and reconciles patients’ medications during their hospital stay, particularly at transition points.
- Implemented a series of steps, including the timely administration of appropriate antibiotics, to prevent patients undergoing surgery from developing infections.
“We are very pleased with the improved patient outcomes through these efforts. We continue working closely with staff and physicians to determine how we can offer our patients quality care,” stated Jerry West, Director of Quality Resource Management at Houston Healthcare.
According to West, IHI is expected to announce plans at its National Forum in December for the next stage of this national healthcare improvement initiative. Houston Healthcare will continue participating in the campaign and implement interventions with a new goal for saving lives during the coming year.
The 100,000 Lives Campaign, a not-for-profit organization based in Cambridge, Massachusettes, is supported through unrestricted philanthropy from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Baxter International, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and other foundations.