How do the characteristics of a healthcare organization and system influence performance?

Rapid City Regional Hospital implemented a multidimensional hand-hygiene program to improve hand-hygiene adherence in accordance with The Joint Commission (TJC) Patient Safety Goal #7: Reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections (HAI). Root cause analysis uncovered three primary reasons for non-compliance: takes too much time; dry, cracked hands from too much washing and use of soap; and a non-supportive culture. Solutions included making alcohol hand rubs and hospital-approved lotion more available, providing education and encouragement, establishing an infection control hotline to report non-compliance, and holding physicians accountable. Hand-washing compliance increased from 57% to 91%, resulting in a 21% reduction in HAI and dollar savings of $291,450

Questions:

1- How do the characteristics of a healthcare organization and system influence performance?

2- Outline key methods to improve performance in a healthcare setting.

3- List some of the important Key Performance Indices (KPIs) that influence patient outcome and growth of a healthcare organization.

Reference:

  Boersma, Beth; Keegan, J. M. ; Planning and Implementation of a Multidimensional Hand-Hygiene Program – Reduce the Risk of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) at Rapid City Regional Hospital (RCRH), Health Care  Division 2009