Best practices: The Administrative Review Committee at New Hampshire Hospital: a one-year follow-up

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Risk Management
• Clinical Governance

Background:

• High-profile and high-risk patients present unique challenges in healthcare.
• Effective risk management is crucial for mitigating hospital liability.
• A structured review process can support clinicians managing complex cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and impact of an Administrative Review Committee (ARC).
• To assess the ARC's role in managing risk for high-profile, high-risk patients.
• To understand clinician acceptance and integration of the ARC into hospital culture.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an Administrative Review Committee (ARC) at New Hampshire Hospital.
• Review of 206 patients during the first year of ARC operation.
• Categorization of patients into four distinct groups with characteristic analysis.

Main Results:

• The ARC reviewed 206 patients in its first year.
• Four distinct patient groups with specific characteristics were identified.
• Clinicians perceive the ARC as a valuable resource for risk management guidance.

Conclusions:

• The Administrative Review Committee (ARC) is an effective risk management tool.
• The ARC successfully supports clinicians in managing complex patient cases.
• The ARC has become embedded within the hospital's operational culture.