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Brief Description
Since 1997, the Southern California Patient Safety Collaborative (SCPSC) has actively worked to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the number of avoidable medical errors at Southern California hospitals through a collaborative learning network. In 2010, through a partnership with Anthem Blue Cross, the SCPSC became a part of “Patients First California…A California Partnership for Health,” the largest patient safety initiative in the nation. Through this historical partnership, Anthem Blue Cross committed 6 million dollars over three years to support the SCPSC, the Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties, the Hospital Association of Northern and Central California and NHF in a coordinated effort to improve patient safety across the state. Patient Safety first builds upon previously existing learning networks developed by the Hospital Associations, such as the SCPSC, to facilitate accelerated implementation of evidence-based patient safety and quality improvement practices. As such, the SCPSC continues to engage 100 hospitals members in quarterly meetings and web seminar presentations that promote peer-to-peer learning. Areas of focus for Patient Safety First and SCPSC include prenatal care, sepsis and hospital acquired infections. Data collection is a key component of Patient Safety First and all hospitals are required to submit quarterly data to track progress and guide collaborative activities.
Measured or Anticipated Outcomes
The Patient Safety First initiative, which brings together more than 160 participating hospitals from across the state,
has led to a:
- 41 % reduction in ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP);
- 25 % reduction in central line blood stream infections (CLBSI);
- 24 % reduction in catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI); and
- A reduction in birth traumas and elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks gestation.
- An estimated $11 million dollars in cost savings and over 650 lives saved.
Policy Implications
- Demonstrate a successful peer-to-peer learning model for sharing best practices and strategies to improve quality of hospital care,decrease the risk and cases of hospital acquired infections and adverse events and create cost savings for participating hospitals.
- Promote compliance with Joint Commission and AHRQ standards of care.
Funders
Funding for this program was generously provided by Anthem Blue Cross.
Key Partners
Anthem Blue Cross, Hospital Association of Southern California, Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties, the Hospital Association of Northern and Central California and Health Services Advisory Group.
Contact
For more information, please contact Mia Arias, Program Director at Marias@nhfca.org
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