We know that health systems, physicians, and other caregivers work hard to deliver the best care they can and that many have incorporated innovative programs into their care delivery. At the same time, we also know that Americans' confidence in the quality of our health care system continues to erode.

As we work to address the external pressures to demonstrate and improve quality, it is important to assess how the field can best react and proactively lead in this area. Health care system members are committed to creating and implementing effective and tangible ideas to improve overall safety and quality in their institutions.

Several initiatives health system members are involved in are:

• Leadership in AHA's Medication Safety Initiative. Working with state and metropolitan hospital associations and affiliated groups, the Medication Safety Initiative is attempting to deliver to all hospitals the most reliable and up-to-date information on how to make medication systems safer.
• Dialogue on the Institute of Medicine's Committee on the Quality of Health Care in America , its second quality and safety report that takes a comprehensive look at quality of care and recommendations for improving the health care delivery system.
• Interest in more direct dialogue with the business community to address and support solutions to the complex problems of medical errors

For additional information related to AHA's quality and safety activities, link to HPOE and www.aha.org.