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A high reliability organization is an organization that has experienced significant success in avoiding harm within an environment of high complexity and risk. These organizations create a collective state of mindfulness that produces an enhanced ability to discover and correct errors before they escalate into a crisis. Marilyn Sherrill discusses high reliability culture with Dr. Michael Leonard of Safe & Reliable Healthcare and Dr. Gena Futral from Vizient.     Guest speaker: Michael Leonard, MD Founder, Chief Medical Officer Safe & Reliable Healthcare LLC   Gena Futral, DHA, RN, CPHQ, FACHE Executive Principal, Reliability and Management Systems Vizient   Moderator: Marilyn Sherrill, RN, MBA Performance Improvement Program Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:42] Background information about Safe & Reliable Healthcare LLC and culture. [02:30] Why Vizient has partnered with Safe & Reliable Healthcare LLC. [03:20] Safe & Reliable Healthcare’s high reliability framework. [05:13] The synergies between Vizient and Safe & Reliable Healthcare. [06:38] The importance of culture and why it is a starting point for this work.   [09:00] Measuring culture: survey results and what that data means. [10:37] Vizient’s methodology for helping organizations along their high reliability journey, including LENS, Safe & Reliable Healthcare’s management and communication technology. [15:14] Advice for organizations considering a high reliability journey, and last thoughts.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Jim Lichauer, Meryl Biksacky, and Conor Hanrahan discuss the strategies Intermountain Healthcare implemented to improve their immune globulin utilization.   Guest speaker: Meryl Biksacky, PharmD Pharmacist, Drug Information Specialist Drug Shortage Management CO-Lead Intermountain Healthcare Drug Information Services   Conor Hanrahan, PharmD, MS, BCPS, CPHQ Medication Policy, Outcomes and Stewardship Director System PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director Intermountain Healthcare Pharmacy Services   Moderator: Jim Lichauer, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP Sr Performance Improvement Program Director, Pharmacy Vizient   Show Notes: [01:50] Intermountain Healthcare is a complex system. [03:19] Challenges included the size and scale of the organization, drug shortages, as well as technology and data capture issues. [05:30] The development of IG appropriate use guidelines was intricate and enterprise-wide. [08:21] A medication use evaluation was conducted.   [10:08] Evaluation of adherence to weight-based dosing strategies produced shocking results.   [11:41] Surveying stakeholders revealed a lack of awareness of internal guidelines and standards.  [12:42] A formal policy to optimize IG weight-based dosing is in the process of being approved. [13:35] Advice for those planning similar strategies includes system-wide collaboration, establishing and monitoring adherence rates, standardization, and quantification of cost savings. [15:12] Intermountain Healthcare has exciting developments on the horizon.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

In this episode, IU Health Southern Indiana Physician’s Service Line Administrator discuss their experience with the Redesigning Ambulator Care Collaborative. Each participant chose a performance improvement project to address and Elizabeth Thompson shares the rather surprising discovery the team made and the solution that made a difference.   Guest speaker: Elizabeth Thompson, BS, MSL Service Line Administrator IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians – Surgical Specialties   Moderator: Courtney Furrow-White , RN, MBA PI Program Director, PI Collaboratives Vizient   Show notes: [01:17]  IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians choose their improvement project [02:14]  What prevention was missing—or was it? [03:01]  What they learned about their data [03:58]  Solving the code crisis [05:29]  Pseudo codes [06:16]  Working with IT [08:11]  Lessons learned [09:06]  How the collaborative experience leads to progress [10:08]  Advice for your journey   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Marilyn Sherrill and her guests, Dr. Matthew Lyon and Dr. Max Bursey, take a deep look at Augusta University Medical Center’s successes and challenges regarding Interhospital transfers.         Guest speakers: Max Bursey, DO Associate Professor, Service Chief Department of Emergency Medicine Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University   Matthew Lyon, MD Associate Dean, Experiential Learning  Director, Center for Ultrasound Education Vice-Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University    Moderator: Marilyn Sherrill, RN, MBA Performance Improvement Program Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:36] Georgia is unique in that it has a large number of rural hospitals, requiring a large number of interhospital transfers for high acuity cases. [03:50] Telemedicine and ED-based critical care services have aided rural hospital quality of care and decreased the need for transfers. [05:48] These two services have evolved from intervention in the ED only to a holistic program of care for patients in rural hospitals. [07:38] The ED ICU service provides inpatient level care to patients waiting on an ICU bed and “short-stay” ICU patients, and works closely with the telemedicine critical care to prevent and manage transfers. [09:53] Telemedicine interacts with Emtala in ways that allow rural hospitals to admit and keep a broader selection of patients. [11:13] Challenges have included the need for training providers on the use of telemedicine, and training and staffing ICU-level nurses in the ED ICU and in rural hospitals. [13:53] Starting slow and adequately training staff are important best practices. [16:03] Telemedicine isn’t going anywhere and should be utilized fully, and included in the work of the ED.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

As the demand for patient care at home increases, one component driving the move is technology.  In this Knowledge on the Go episode, Dr. Joe Cummings of Vizient and Andrew Rebhan of Sg2 outline what’s connecting clinicians and their patients.  From smartphones to sensors to artificial intelligence, PI Program Director Courtney Furrow-White quizzes our experts on how technology is making a difference in patient care today—and will transform it in the very near future.   Guest speaker: Joe Cummings, PhD Technology Program Director Vizient   Andrew Rebhan Consulting Director Sg2 Intelligence   Moderator: Courtney Furrow-White Performance Improvement Program Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:15] There is renewed interest in home care due to affordability and the rise of consumerism. [02:19] Hospital IT Infrastructure and patient home IT equipment are vital. [04:02] There is no singular approach when considering patient acuity. [05:20] Telehealth technology must be customizable and comparable to in-person visits. [07:29] Digital devices with always-on connectivity provide remote patient monitoring.  [09:00] Imaging technology can also be achieved in the home.  [10:25] With home data collection, AI can proceed with the patient.  [13:09] AI can carry the future of home care into a new world of service. [18:04] A health system should follow specific strategies to ensure success.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

This week on Sg2 Perspectives, Sg2 Principals Heidi Pandya, MSHA, and Jayme Zage, PhD, join us to discuss all things related to health care at home. Heidi and Jayme start with the current landscape and why health care organizations are evaluating care-at-home services, and then cover how organizations can get started with health-care-at-home programs and prioritize their options. (Hint: stand back and take stock of your strategic imperatives first, then prioritize those strategies and see where care at home fits.)   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Michelle Lewis and Pat Reagan Webster discuss the challenges and successes of Strong Memorial Hospital’s improvement journey with onset C. difficile infection rates.   Guest speaker: Pat Reagan Webster Associate Quality Officer Strong Memorial Hospital   Moderator: Michelle Lewis Senior Director, Programs Vizient   Show Notes: [01:09] Strong Memorial Hospital had plateaued in its efforts to decrease hospital-onset C. difficile infection rates. [02:06] Strong’s successful prevention team was diverse and physician-led. [04:09] Strong’s analysis, using the contextualist model, included brainstorming drivers, blueprinting, and identifying barriers. [07:06] Interventions were established, monitored, and modified appropriately. [08:38] COVID continues to cause challenges.   [09:42] Interventions have proven to be successful, and infection rates have dropped dramatically. [10:24] Strong made “really significant change in a time when we thought no change was possible.”   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Dr. Joe Cummings and Courtney Furrow-White explore fascinating new technologies that are advancing mental health care yet, at the same time, are causing some concerns.   Guest speaker: Joe Cummings, PhD Technology Program Director Vizient   Moderator: Courtney Furrow-White Performance Improvement Program Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:21] Digital technologies include apps, AI, VR, and chatbots. [02:13] There are an exuberant amount of applications for use. [04:13] Digital phenotyping applications are still controversial. [05:37] Digital applications may be the only mental health resource for some. [07:06] Most of these applications are not subject to FDA regulation.   [10:09] Data on smartphone applications still in very early stages.   [13:01] There is risk for possible harm with some of these technologies.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Closing out Workplace Violence Awareness Month, Lindsay Mayer and Heidi Boehm deep dive into protocols and procedures for dealing with the aftermath of a violent event.   Guest speaker: Heidi Boehm Behavioral Health Program Manager The University of Kansas Health System   Moderator: Lindsay Mayer Senior Director Vizient   Show Notes: [00:38] Survey employees to learn how supported they feel.     [02:35] Awareness campaigns help reduce workplace violence.    [05:15] Implement a comprehensive and standardized debriefing process.    [08:13] Simply checking in with staff, post-event, is a powerful tool. [09:26] COVID has impacted the launch of a post-event leadership guidebook.     [10:38] Routine, ongoing data collection is very important. [12:05] Leaders must be equipped with the necessary tools.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Continuing the discussion for Workplace Violence Awareness Month, Lindsay Mayer, Rick Litzinger, and Dan Hunnisett explore the importance of building a solid foundation for staff education and training programs around workplace violence.   Guest speaker: Rick Litzinger Manager, Emergency Preparedness, Safety, Security Altru Health System   Dan Hunnisett Security Program Specialist, Security  Altru Health System   Moderator: Lindsay Mayer Senior Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:02] Education is foundational in addressing workplace violence, so it is vital to assess your organization’s training gaps and educational needs.     [02:36] Strong training programs include several key components.    [03:30] Altru’s multi-tiered training curriculum.    [06:45] The challenges and successes of virtual learning, as experienced during the pandemic. [08:20] Surveys are extremely important in understanding your organization’s culture of safety, as well as education needs and preferences.     [10:37] Recommended to strengthen your training program: Data collection and cross-discipline strategic partnerships.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

In recognition of Workplace Violence Awareness Month, Lindsay Mayer, Mark Reed, and Diana Scott discuss the latest workplace violence statistics and the trends organizations are facing within the industry.   Guest speaker: Mark Reed Director of Support Services MLK Community Healthcare   Diana Scott Associate Vice President of Accreditation and Regulatory Advisory Services Vizient   Moderator: Lindsay Mayer Senior Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:29] Workplace violence has increased continuously throughout 2020 and 2021. [02:25] The pandemic is a major contributing factor.   [04:03] The workforce shortage has impacted organizations.   [05:14] The Joint Commission has released new requirements for 2022. [08:00] Organizations are implementing unique and innovative strategies.    [10:30] Leaders can aid in addressing and preventing workplace violence.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

High Reliability Organizations are organizations that experiences success in avoiding harm within a highly complex and risky business.  This podcast will discuss how one participant of the Vizient High Reliability PI Collaborative reduced their patient falls.   Guest speakers: Bert Lindsey, PT, DH Director of Rehab Services & Patient Mobility, Acute Saint Tammany Health System   Rebecca Baradell Rehab Manager for Acute Care Saint Tammany Health System   Moderator: Marilyn Sherrill, RN, MBA PI Program Director Vizient   For more information, email picollaboratives@vizientinc.com   Show Notes: [01:30] Saint Tammany uses new graduates as mobility technicians to increase patient rounding and mobility assessment. [3:10] Saint Tammany uses Weick and Sutcliffe’s pre-occupation with failure techniques. They train their young, just out of college, staff to expect errors and to work on repeatable results.  [4:30] GEM (Greenville Early Mobility) is a four-integer scoring system developed by a group of physical therapists to aid acute care nurses by assigning patients to a level of mobility. [5:35] Saint Tammany uses the GEMs as part of their Progressive Mobility Program which is an order set for nurses to mobilize patients to their highest capability twice a day. [6:54] Data showing the correlation between the patient’s mobility and their likelihood to fall [9:03] Mobility technicians look for the 3 P’s: pain, potty and position. [10:09] Communicating patient mobility status with the caregivers [12:30] Getting the program started [14:00] Future plans for improving the Progressive Mobility Program   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Joe Cummings and Marilyn Sherrill explore exciting and innovative technological advancements in colonoscopy screening.   Guest speaker: Joe Cummings, PhD Technology Program Director Vizient   Moderator: Marilyn Sherrill, RN, MBA Performance Improvement Program Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:20] A new technology called GI Genius is aiding in polyp detection. [02:54] Adenoma detection rate statistics are promising, but still emerging. [06:48] There’s a learning curve and shift in workflow to successfully use AI. [09:17] There will be brand competition for AI platform development. [11:58] There are many early-adopter hospitals currently using AI. [12:50] Hospitals should evaluate AI technology appropriately.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Dr. Joe Cummings and Heather Ramirez discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for stroke detection, triage, and notification.   Guest speaker: Joe Cummings, PhD Technology Program Director Vizient   Moderator: Heather Ramirez, MS-HSM Ventures Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:26] There are many types of, and uses for, Artificial Intelligence. [02:54] AI brings high value when used for acute stroke. [07:37] There are 5 FDA-cleared, AI products available for LVO stroke. [08:41] CMS’ New Tech Add-on Payment program is a major accomplishment. [10:42] Clinical evidence supports good AI accuracy. [11:49] Different AI applications offer a wide variety of services. [12:55] Hospitals need to be ready for the AI revolution.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Vizient Technology Program Director, Dr. Joe Cummings, provides insights on evidence-based technology assessments in support of the knowledge domain, one of four performance domains in Vizient’s CSI model, which focuses on clinical literature and evaluation.   Guest speaker: Joe Cummings, PhD Technology Program Director Vizient   Moderator: LaTammy Marks, MBA, BSN, RN Performance Improvement Program Director Vizient   Show Notes: [02:09] Clinical evidence defined.   [02:50] Many sources, including PubMed, are used to support CSI. [04:58] How to use “gray literature.” [05:46] Literature search is a fulltime job. [06:37] Use an evidence grading scale to rate literature strength. [09:49] A mature CSI program involves financial analysis. [11:54] Tips for hospitals struggling with evidence-based data.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

The pandemic has shifted ambulatory care drastically. Vizient technology and innovation expert, Dr. Joe Cummings, shares incredible new technologies that are reshaping the future of ambulatory care.       Guest speaker: Joe Cummings, PhD Technology Program Director Vizient   Moderator: Courtney Furrow-White, MPM, RN Performance Improvement Program Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:31] Non-traditional types of technology are increasing. [02:31] Recent developments in the pod technology. [03:47] Ambulatory interaction with smart devices and wearables.    [06:34] AI-based algorithms are needed for data collection. [07:56] Hospitals need to be ready for AI and robotics. [10:31] Tips for hospitals as they embrace the future.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

Technology Program Director, Dr. Joe Cummings, shares information and insights about innovative technologies in the field of rapid diagnostics of sepsis.    Guest speaker: Joe Cummings, PhD Technology Program Director Vizient   Moderator: Shannon Hale, MHA, RN, CPHQ Performance Improvement Collaboratives Director Vizient   Show Notes: [01:15] New testing with new technologies is rapidly developing. [03:23] How the T2Dx device is used. [04:52] Explanation of cost and payments thorough CMS.   [06:08] Antimicrobial susceptibility testing options. [08:26] The future of sepsis technology.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

It’s estimated that 40% of all Medicare patients go into post-acute care and of those, nearly 23% are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. This podcast highlights what one organization plans to do to reduce their readmissions.   Guests: Heidi Young, RN Senior Quality Project Manager ProHealth Care    Jessica Zuercher, MS, MBA, RN Director, Continuum of Care ProHealth Care   Moderator:  Lindsay Mayer, MSN, RN Senior Director, PI Collaboratives Programs Vizient   For more information, email picollaboratives@vizientinc.com   Show Notes: [00:45] ProHealth Care has a multidisciplinary all-cause readmission team for post-acute patients [1:00] ProHealth Care has shifted their focus to look at anywhere along the continuum of care for opportunities to prevent readmissions [2:52] Earlier efforts to reduce readmissions were ineffective because of lack of follow up [3:35] ProHealth joined the Vizient Patient Transitions to Post-Acute Care Collaborative [4:00] They developed plans with facility partners, medial directors and sepsis team, making it collaborative and connected with all parties. [4:36] Worked as a group to detail how to fully operationalize their preventive strategies [6:30] Embedded medical directors and Advanced Practice Providers [7:03] Plans for follow up   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

In this program, Michelle McCormick, Revenue Integrity Director, Clinical Documentation Integrity and Mark LeBlanc, Manager Clinical Documentation Integrity, both at Stanford Health, discuss how they shaped their successful CDI program through the fundamentals of prioritization, clarity and transparency.   Guests: Michelle McCormick, RN, MBA-HCM, BSN, CCDS, CCS, CRCR Revenue Integrity Director, Clinical Documentation Integrity Stanford Health   Mark LeBlanc, RN, MBA, CCDS Manager, Clinical Documentation Integrity Stanford Health   Moderator: Marilyn Sherrill PI Program Director Vizient   For more information, email picollaboratives@vizientinc.com   Show Notes: [00:00 – 01:56]  CDI prioritization [01:57 – 03:09]  When prioritizing DRG’s look for the unusual. [03:10 – 05:05]  Clarity within the reporting process [05:06 – 06:30]  Transparency and how it shapes future improvement initiatives [06:31 – 07:56]  Feedback from their physician partners [07:57 – 09:18]  Meaningful response rate advantages [09:19 – 09:43]  Don’t try and boil the ocean   Disclaimer This presentation is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace independent professional judgment. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, do not represent the views or opinions of Stanford Health Care.  Stanford Health Care does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy or completeness of the information presented.   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed

In this program, Ed Bonetti from UMass Memorial Health Care and Vizient shares his insights on how the COVID pandemic exposed the difference between strategic and actual preparedness of the medical supply chain. a Vizient PI Collaborative helped them to learn from each other and prepare to re-evaluate their preparedness and find ways to be more resilient for future catastrophic events.   Guest Speaker: Ed Bonetti Supply Chain Operations UMass Memorial Health Care and, VP, Supply Chain Operations Vizient   Moderator: Carla Stephens, CMRP Networks Director Vizient   Show Notes: [00:00 – 01:48]  COVID exposed preparedness of supply chains [01:49 – 02:44]  Keep calm, carry on, and communicate [02:45 – 04:09]  Making quick decisions on alternative products [04:10 – 05:04]  Standardizing and implementing processes for reordering alternate and critical product [05:05 – 06:20]  Preparing for future catastrophic events [06:21 – 07:32]  Future response   For more information, email picollaboratives@vizientinc.com   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Android Stitcher RSS Feed