Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Promoting quality patient care--reducing inpatient mortality
Elaine Comeau1, Kathy Adkinson
1St Joseph Hospital, Augusta, GA 30904, USA. elainec@stjoshosp.org
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
|December 7, 2006
Summary
St Joseph Hospital reduced inpatient mortality by implementing focused patient safety initiatives. This led to a significant decrease in both raw and severity-adjusted mortality rates within a year.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Safety
- Clinical Outcomes Research
Background:
- St Joseph Hospital initiated a reorganization of patient safety efforts in 2001.
- The hospital aimed to enhance overall patient care outcomes through structured initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate clinical projects toward the singular objective of reducing inpatient mortality.
- To evaluate the impact of focused patient safety strategies on mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Reorganization of patient safety initiatives starting in 2001.
- Focusing clinical projects on reducing inpatient mortality by 2004.
- Monitoring mortality rates before and after the focused initiative.
Main Results:
- A 29% decrease in raw inpatient mortality was observed.
- A 25.5% reduction in severity-adjusted inpatient mortality was achieved.
- These results were realized within one year of the focused initiative.
Conclusions:
- Focused patient safety initiatives can significantly reduce inpatient mortality.
- Strategic consolidation of clinical efforts is effective in improving critical patient outcomes.
- The hospital's approach demonstrated a measurable positive impact on patient survival rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:13Patient-centered Care
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
00:59Hospitals-II
Hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient services provide care to patients that stay in the hospital for an extended period, ranging from days to months. Examples of inpatient services include intensive care units, hospital wards, or surgeries. Outpatient services provide care to patients who come to a hospital for a diagnostic or treatment but do not stay overnight —for example, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, or health education.
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
When developing expected outcomes for a patient care plan, the nurse should adhere to the following recommendations:
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The healthcare system is constantly changing and complex. Various services are available from different healthcare providers, but gaining access to these services has become challenging for people with limited healthcare insurance. Uninsured people present a challenge to healthcare because they frequently postpone or forego treatment.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:21Planning Nursing Care I
The planning phase of the nursing process helps nurses set priorities, outline patient-centered goals and expected outcomes, and tailor nursing interventions to align with the aligned care plan. Through the planning phase, the nurse applies critical thinking skills to align and develop interventions according to the patient's needs. It provides continuity of care allowing patients to receive the maximum benefit from treatment. It serves as a pilot plan for allocating individual staff to a...