The Child Health PSO at 10 Years: An Emerging Learning Network.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 facilitated the creation of Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs).
• Child Health PSO leverages the Learning Network (LN) model to enhance pediatric patient care quality and safety.
• This article examines the Child Health PSO's structure and function as a novel LN construct.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Child Health PSO's role and structure within the LN framework.
• To propose Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs) as a viable model for Learning Networks (LNs).
• To analyze member engagement strategies within the Child Health PSO.

Main Methods:

• The Child Health PSO integrated LN tenets to foster member engagement with PSO outputs.
• Member organizations were encouraged to integrate PSO findings into their Learning Healthcare Systems.
• Engagement was measured through participation in case-based learning and case submissions.

Main Results:

• 86% of children's hospitals met case learning activity metrics, and 60% submitted cases.
• 53% of children's hospitals demonstrated high engagement within the LN framework.
• Sustained engagement is crucial for the Child Health PSO's continued success.

Conclusions:

• The Child Health PSO has successfully operated as a Learning Network over the past decade.
• A target of 100% high engagement is set for participating children's hospitals.
• Trusting relationships within federally certified PSOs enable inter-hospital information sharing for patient safety.
• Collaboration is key for empowering hospitals to prevent medical harm.