Parkview Health named best-performing health system

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 6:06

Parkview Health has been recognized by Thomson Reuters as being one of the 64 best-performing health systems in the country. Thomson Reuters analyzed the performance of 321 health systems and identified the top health systems based on quality of care, efficiency and patient satisfaction.

The annual study is featured in Modern Healthcare magazine.

Performance measures in the study include:

*Mortality index

*Complications index

*Patient safety index

*Core measures

*30-day mortality rate

*30-day readmission rate

*Average length of stay

"This is a great honor to be recognized as a national leader in providing excellent care to patients," said Mike Packnett, president and CEO, Parkview Health. "This is a great achievement for Parkview. Our physicians, nurses and staff demonstrate great teamwork each day to assist patients and families."

Parkview has developed multiple programs aimed at enhancing quality of care, efficiency and patient satisfaction. Below are examples of clinical programs that are improving patient care and outcomes:

Hospitalist collaborative care model

This multidisciplinary model includes a hospitalist (Parkview-employed, hospital-based physician), rounding nurse, pharmacist, case manager, and floor nurse. The team meets at the beginning of each day to collaborate on the plan of care for their patients. Together, they visit with patients and family members to discuss treatments and discharge arrangements. The care model has resulted in improved communication, lower length of stay, reduced re-admission rates, and higher quality outcomes. A Congestive Heart Treatment Center collaborative care model is also in place for Parkview Heart Institute patients with congestive heart failure.

Sepsis protocol

Sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection that can begin anywhere in the body and lead to serious health complications. Parkview's sepsis protocol provides for early detection of sepsis and therapies through a standardized approach to reduce mortality and reduce the number of patients who develop a severe sepsis condition. The protocol has resulted in mortality rates dropping to 18.6 percent in 2011, compared to 37.5 percent in 2010.

Parkview Heart Institute Discharge Lounge Parkview Heart Institute patients awaiting discharge have experienced a substantial improvement as a result of a program developed in 2011.

A new discharge lounge allows for patients to be in a quieter setting as they receive education and final instructions before leaving the hospital. The lounge concept has greatly improved patients' perception of the discharge process. The lounge concept also assists new patients by having extra rooms available for patient care.