A Path to Improving Surgical Outcomes

In December 2008, the hospital spotlighted national Hospital Quality Measures performance and found Surgical Care Improvement Project process measures were not met every time for all patients. Surgical site infections, an outcome of non-compliance, represented the largest number of hospital-acquired infections. The concept of 'Zero Defects' is presented at new employee orientation as an expectation for patient care and is reinforced on all clinical units, as a result of this project. The hospital's vision is, 'to be the national leader in quality patient and family-centered health care.' While a 'silver bullet' was not found, a variety of improvements were keys to success. The hospital has had four straight months of zero SCIP defects and its surgical site infections continue to stay well below the expected rate each month. The commitment to excellence drives the mission of excellent patient care for surgical patients.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)