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The quick draw approach to quality improvement
1North Heart Center, North Memorial Health Care, Robbinsdale, MN, USA.
Insights
North Heart Center
Area of Science:
- Quality Improvement in Healthcare
- Cardiac Care
- Health System Management
Background:
- North Heart Center initiated a quality improvement project in 1996.
- The project aimed to enhance patient outcomes, efficiency, satisfaction, and reduce costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reduce cardiac mortality rates by 50 percent.
- To implement a sustainable quality improvement process within a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A dedicated team of 8-12 members met weekly.
- Utilized process-flow diagrams to map and analyze procedures.
- Focused on one or two variables at a time for better results.
- Employed a cycle of examining, summarizing, and redesigning processes.
- Posted data organization-wide to foster support and trust.
Main Results:
- Achieved better patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and improved satisfaction.
- Demonstrated cost reduction within the healthcare system.
- Overcame initial resistance through visible process success.
Conclusions:
- A focused, action-oriented approach with data transparency is effective for quality improvement.
- Sustained effort over several years is required for significant results.
- The project's success led to ongoing efforts, such as reducing atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients.
Abstract:
In 1996, the North Heart Center, part of North Memorial Health Care in Robbinsdale, Minn., invested over $30,000 in a quality improvement project. Hospital administration put its support behind the effort when results began to show better outcomes, more efficiency, improved patient and provider satisfaction, and cost reduction in the system. The purpose for North Heart Center was to reduce mortality rates by 50 percent. A team of between eight and 12 people met weekly and kept to a focused and aggressive schedule. A fast-paced, action-oriented schedule helped the team maintain, its momentum throughout the process, allowing a steady stream of smaller accomplishments that moved toward the overall goal. The team found that though there was resistance, people ultimately joined when they saw the process worked. A process-flow diagram helped chart every step of any given process. The team found that people focus better on one or two variables rather than attempting to do too much at one time. Examining results to see what works and what doesn't was the next step, followed by summarizing and then redesigning the cycle to try again. Posting data in appropriate areas proved effective in eliciting support throughout the organization. The team worked hard to cultivate trust for the ideas people brought to the table. Completion of North Heart Center's initial project took several years and focuses now on reducing atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients.