Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Accelerating Best Care in Pennsylvania: the Hazleton General Hospital experience
Andrea Andrews1, Anthony Valente
1Greater Hazleton Health Alliance, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, USA.
Summary
Rural hospitals can successfully implement rapid-cycle quality improvement (QI) methods. Hazleton General Hospital achieved 100% compliance in five key clinical areas, enhancing patient care and performance.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement Science
- Rural Health
Background:
- Hazleton General Hospital (HGH) participated in the Accelerating Best Care in Pennsylvania project.
- This project aimed to adapt a rapid-cycle quality improvement (QI) methodology from an academic setting for rural hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe HGH's experience in learning and applying a rapid-cycle QI methodology.
- To evaluate the impact of this QI methodology on clinical practice and performance at HGH.
Main Methods:
- HGH formed project teams to implement QI initiatives.
- Five specific clinical areas were targeted: heart failure discharge, surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, stroke care, pneumonia care, and pneumococcal vaccination.
Main Results:
- Project teams achieved 100% compliance in all five targeted areas by the end of the initial measurement period.
- The QI program significantly improved performance at HGH.
Conclusions:
- Rural community hospitals can effectively adopt and utilize rapid-cycle QI methodologies.
- The implemented QI program led to sustained performance improvement, including on CMS core measures.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:13Patient-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...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:25Continuing Care
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
01:17Healthcare Agencies II
There are various healthcare agencies in the United States—some of which are managed by religious institutions and others by different government branches.
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources, and lay...
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources, and lay...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...