Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

A Quality Winner

What does it take to be a winner? Children's Hospital Colorado received the 2015 AHA-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize for its work toward achieving the six Institute of Medicine aims for quality care: safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient and equitable. Patient safety initiatives at Children's Hospital Colorado, based in Aurora, include Target Zero: Eliminating Preventable Harm, a program focused on eliminating serious adverse events and preventable patient harm. Parents and family members of patients actively participate in safety and quality projects, process improvement initiatives, and strategic planning. Using data and technology, the hospital compares equipment, procedures and care teams; tracks patient and staff satisfaction; and analyzes trends so problems can be identified and addressed quickly. In addition, the hospital offers incentives to all employees for meeting patient safety and patient/family satisfaction goals. Strong hospital board and leadership support, along with partnerships between leadership, clinical and nonclinical staff, and patients and families, enhance the culture of quality and safety. 

For more information, contact targetzero@childrenscolorado.org. Learn more about Children's Hospital Colorado, the AHA-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize and the other 2015 honorees. Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 prize.