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

Multifocal Clinical Performance Improvement Across 21 Hospitals

Barbara Crawford, Melinda Skeath, Alan Whippy

Multifocal Clinical Performance Improvement Across 21 Hospitals

Barbara Crawford et al. J Healthc Qual. 2015 Mar-Apr.

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Four-Wheel Drive Model of Performance Improvement.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Driver Diagram for Quality Improvement.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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