4 Proven Tactics for Improving Quality from Award-Winning Health Systems

At the annual Leadership Summit in July, the American Hospital Association honored the 2026 Quest for Quality Prize winner and finalists. These health systems earned recognition for their commitment to creating healthier communities and for measurable improvements in care in line with the Institute of Medicine’s STEEEP (Safety, Timeliness, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Equity and Patient- or Person-centered care) framework.

These providers stand out for their innovative approaches to care delivery and effectiveness in elevating quality in today’s challenging healthcare landscape. For health systems across the country seeking to deliver the best possible care while facing an uncertain future, here are best practices and key takeaways from the stories of this year’s winner and finalists.

WINNER | Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System

Innovation Sets the Stage for Safety and Quality

2026 Quest for Quality Prize winner Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System in Charleston, South Carolina, has found that creating a culture of innovation is the key to achieving ideal levels of patient safety and high-quality care. “When you talk about innovation, you attract some really great people who want to do cool things,” said Scott R. Isaacks, the system’s director and CEO.

For example, when a technician proposed 3D printing medical devices, Isaacks leaned into the idea despite not being familiar with the technology at the time. The health system’s in-house 3D printing lab became a hub for VA hospitals nationwide during the pandemic because it could produce much-needed nasal swabs. Today, the lab creates shoe inserts and prosthetic sockets for less than $10 per pair (compared with hundreds of dollars from traditional sources). It also produces dental appliances, anatomical models for surgeons and medical students, and custom tools for patients with progressive health conditions.

The lab also makes it possible for the health system to stockpile prosthetic items such as cup holders and brake extensions, allowing veterans to instantly access the medical equipment they need instead of waiting weeks for delivery.

FINALIST | Advocate Health

Embracing Virtual Care Delivery Can Lead to Better Outcomes

Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health — a 2026 Quest for Quality Prize finalist — has achieved better outcomes and improved patient experiences through a virtual nursing program. Over the past year, the health system launched a co-care model pairing virtual nurses with bedside teams at more than 50 sites, with plans to expand across the organization. The new approach has led to higher patient experience scores and fewer falls and central line days, in addition to lower call bell volume.

“It’s not just help at the bedside — it represents a fundamentally different model for delivering care,” said Betty Jo Rocchio, executive vice president and chief nurse executive at Advocate Health.

FINALIST | Connecticut Children's

Sharing Knowledge Creates Safer Communities

Finalist Connecticut Children’s, based in Hartford, helps ensure patients receive high-quality care not only across the health system’s locations but also at partner systems and community locations. The secret? A share-the-knowledge ethos.

The provider maintains an electronic system for standard reporting of morbidity and mortality and safety events across more than 30 locations in Connecticut, eastern New York and western Massachusetts. Internal clinical pathways are supported by order sets embedded in the system’s electronic health record. In addition, Connecticut Children’s distributes pathways externally to referring pediatricians, and has published more than 60 pathways online for clinicians anywhere to access and implement.

“We’ve built a system where excellence is consistent, not situational,” said Shannon R. Sullivan, president and CEO of Connecticut Children’s. “Whether a child is seen at our main hospital, a community location or one of our partner health systems, they receive the same high standard of care.”

FINALIST | Nicklaus Children's Health System

Cross-Functional Collaboration Enables Safety for All

Miami-based finalist Nicklaus Children’s Health System has adopted a “safety for all” perspective across the organization. Since 2023, this outlook and approach have been led by cross-functional teams from risk management, employee health, patient safety, public safety, employee well-being, environment of care and emergency management. This comprehensive prioritization of safety encompasses everything from ensuring staff have the right personal protective equipment to making sure caregivers of children undergoing chemotherapy know how to change a child’s diapers without harming themselves or the environment.

The health system has also made its entire board responsible for quality and safety oversight. Board members participate in Executive Leader Walking Rounds and talk to clinicians face-to-face about their experiences and challenges. Additionally, the system conducts daily safety calls, with dozens of leaders across the organization participating. With these strategies, Nicklaus Children’s reduced adverse events by 47% across its Safety Six metrics: central-line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, pressure injuries, surgical site infections, unplanned extubations and medication errors.

“Safety is more than a priority,” said Matthew Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s. “It is a promise that guides every decision we make for the children and families who place their trust in us and for our employees.”

For more information about this year’s Quest for Quality Prize winner and finalists, please download the honoree booklet.