Patient Safety Week puts prevention in the spotlight

Published on Monday, March 4, 2024

By: Rachel Vanderford, rvanderford@umc.edu

Photos By: Jay Ferchaud/ UMMC Photography

Innovation and commitment drive the work of the staff who care for patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and this week, employees are focusing on their efforts to ensure high-quality care is at the forefront.

Patient Safety Week is a nationally celebrated week for hospitals to concentrate on and celebrate safety as the foundation for quality care.

This year’s theme “Cover Your Bases” emphasizes the importance of being thorough when it comes to providing safe and effective care.

“There are so many things that we do every day that contribute to patient safety,” said Kim Barrier, director, RN quality and patient safety for the adult hospitals. "From having a fully staffed unit to the combined level of experience within the team, hiring well-trained staff, achieving zero falls, surpassing productivity targets and meeting quality improvement goals—all of those things improve patient outcomes.”

Units within inpatient, ambulatory and support services will be evaluated in three categories each. First and second place winners for each category will be recognized at the awards ceremony at noon on Thursday.

“Patient Safety Week is a time that we get to slow down and look back at all the achievements that we’ve accomplished throughout the year,” said Kristin Hardy, director of nursing/children’s hospital services at Children’s of Mississippi. “I feel like we are constantly grinding through and don’t take the time to recognize the great things we’ve done, not only individually but collectively across the Medical Center. So, it’s a time of camaraderie that really brings everyone together to celebrate our successes.”

“There is a lot to celebrate this year,” said Barrier. “2023 had some big wins. Obtaining the ‘B’ safety grade with Leapfrog was huge.”

UMMC’s commitment to patient safety was recognized in October, when the Medical Center received its first “B” rating on the biannual Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade report. Leapfrog is among the most common public metrics for evaluating quality of care and patient safety in hospitals nationwide. Leapfrog is among the most common public metrics for evaluating quality of care and patient safety in hospitals nationwide. Twice per year, in fall and spring, Leapfrog assigns letter grades based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“Every health care provider and staff member at UMMC owns the responsibility to ensure high-quality care and a positive experience for our patients,” said Dr. Lisa Didion, chief medical officer. “It is up to all of us to do our part.”

But that isn’t the only accomplishment the Medical Center is celebrating. Barrier said there were 59 units and departments across UMMC that submitted a list of patient safety achievements for 2023.

“Everyone is highlighting the new, innovative things their department is doing,” she said. “There is still much to improve on, and I’m inspired to keep pushing forward when I look at all the wonderful accomplishments and strides toward zero harm that have happened over the past year. March 4-7, UMMC employees can participate in giveaways and test their knowledge with safety trivia as they celebrate the safety achievements of 2023.

Agenda

Win free prizes in safety giveaways.

• Monday and Wednesday at the Adult Hospital entrance from 6:30 a.m. -8 a.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday at the Wiser Hospital and Critical Care Hospital entrances from 6:30 a.m. - 8 a.m.
• Adult and pediatric ambulatory areas will celebrate throughout the week with special treats and opportunities for prizes.

Spin the traveling safety wheel and answer trivia questions.

Spin the wheel and answer safety trivia for a chance to win one of the grand prizes. These include gift cards to local shops and restaurants and a front row parking spot for a month.

Meet and greet with leadership.

• Tuesday at the Pavilion at 7:30 a.m.
• Wednesday at Lakeland Medical Building at 7:30 a.m.

Safety champions announced at awards ceremony.

The ceremony will take place in the Hall of Champions Thursday at noon.