Northeast Ohio Hospitals to Share Patient Safety Information Online

Strategic Insights -

Northeast Ohio hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, and University Hospitals of Cleveland, will soon share patient safety information online through The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit that promotes improvements in healthcare quality. This move comes as over 200 Fortune 500 companies, including Parker Hannifin Corp. of Cleveland, are pushing for healthcare reform through groups like the Health Action Council of Northeast Ohio. By sharing patient safety information, these hospitals aim to demonstrate their commitment to quality healthcare, which not only benefits patients but also makes good business sense for employers looking to reduce healthcare costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, and University Hospitals of Cleveland have agreed to complete the Hospital Quality and Safety Survey by The Leapfrog Group.
  • The survey assesses patient safety practices, including ordering prescriptions electronically and staffing intensive care units with intensivists.
  • These hospitals have already implemented many of the 30 safe practices endorsed by the National Quality Forum.
  • The Health Action Council of Northeast Ohio is helping to recruit hospitals to complete the Leapfrog survey, with over 200 Fortune 500 companies and other large healthcare purchasers as members of Leapfrog.
  • The Leapfrog Group will publish the survey results online annually in March, with the Cleveland data expected to be posted by the end of this month.
  • Participating hospitals, including Akron General Hospital, believe the survey is a good self-assessment tool to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
  • The Health Action Council will formally invite all other Northeast Ohio hospitals to complete the Leapfrog survey, aiming for sustained participation and improved patient safety.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 Fortune 500 companies are members of The Leapfrog Group, promoting improvements in healthcare quality.
  • 30 safe practices endorsed by the National Quality Forum aim to reduce medical mistakes in hospitals.
  • 1,800 employees of Parker Hannifin Corp. are based in Northeast Ohio, with their employer looking for ways to reduce healthcare costs through quality healthcare providers.
  • The Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, and University Hospitals of Cleveland have already implemented many of the 30 safe practices.

Sources:

  • SHANNON MORTLAND, "Northeast Ohio Hospitals to Share Patient Safety Information Online"
  • The Leapfrog Group, www.leapfroggroup.org
  • Health Action Council of Northeast Ohio