Background
What is the Patient Safety Initiative?
Hospitals and health systems have expressed a commitment to enhancing patient safety. In response, the AHA launched a national initiative to support these efforts, building on existing safety infrastructure, expertise and partnerships. With over 1,500 participants and growing, this initiative leverages AHA's coordination to facilitate progress.
Why is the AHA doing this now?
Since the Institute of Medicine's To Err Is Human report, care delivery has rapidly evolved. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified challenges in advancing safety and quality. Hospitals and health systems now seek to proactively lead patient safety efforts, rather than having policies imposed by external stakeholders. This initiative aims to capitalize on past lessons and promote collaboration and innovation.
Why AHA?
The AHA is the ideal convener due to:
- Its extensive membership
- Proven success in national safety improvement efforts
- Members' interest in advancing patient safety
Who is participating?
All AHA member hospitals and health systems are invited to participate.
What is the goal of the Patient Safety Initiative?
This project aims to support hospitals in enhancing patient safety by:
- Providing tools and data
- Offering a platform for sharing improvement stories
- Scaling successful local innovations nationally
- Informing public policy to support safety improvements
What are the priority areas?
Selected through feedback from expert panels and hospital leaders, the priority areas are:
- Culture of Safety: Strategies for board and senior leadership to support safer care delivery.
- Health Equity: Ensuring all patients receive safe care.
- Workforce Safety: Ensuring all employees remain safe in their workplaces.
- Innovation: Leveraging new technologies and practices to enhance patient safety and care quality.
Practical Matters
Is there any fee to participate?
No, participation is included in your AHA membership.
How long will it last?
The initiative spans multiple years, starting in 2024. Progress is expected in 2025 through enhanced collaboration and foundational safety practices.
How can I sign up my health system?
Register using the sign-up form and include a contact person. Additional information will be sent to identified contacts once registration is received.
What will participation look like?
AHA will provide tools, resources and educational collaboratives around the priority areas. Hospitals can access webinars and other resources to share knowledge and practices. Hospitals will also have opportunities to share work and report progress on key measures.
Do I need to sign up for all educational offerings?
No, participation in each offering is not required, but highly encouraged. Hospitals can focus on areas of need and share their experiences with others. Reporting progress at the end of the first year is encouraged.
Do I have to participate equally in all the priority topics?
No, hospitals can focus on their areas of need. If significant work has been done in a priority area, hospitals are encouraged to share their experiences and contribute to the learning collaboratives. Participation in the initiative and progress reporting is encouraged.
