Tag: MHA Keystone Center

Corewell Health Trenton Hospital Nurse Honored with Q4 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

Patient Safety and Quality, Member News
speak up
Q4 Speak-up! Award recipient Courtney Baumann, RN at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital pictured with Lamont Yoder, president, Corewell Health East, Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, MHA, and Gary L. Roth, DO, chief medical officer, MHA.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center celebrates Courtney Baumann, RN at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for February.

The Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to preventing harm to patients or staff. Baumann was recognized for her commitment to patient safety by advocating for a patient whose discharge posed potential health risks.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and to know this represents a positive outcome for one of my patients,” said Baumann. “We are empowered at Corewell Trenton to advocate for our patients, regardless of role. I’m grateful to be part of a team and organization that instills this confidence in all healthcare workers.”

Shortly before a patient was scheduled for discharge, Courtney identified concerning changes in the patient’s condition. Courtney’s intervention ensured the patient received the necessary care and reinforced the importance of speaking up in critical situations.

“Courtney’s dedication made all the difference and highlights the importance of speaking up for patient safety,” said Kristine Donahue, RN, president, Corewell Health Hospitals, Taylor, Trenton and Wayne. “Her ability to recognize a concern and take the necessary steps to address it embodies the strong patient-first culture we uphold at Corewell Health.”

Additional finalists for the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 program year included:

  • Spencer Smith, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault
  • Thomas Warner, McLaren Greater Lansing
  • Beronica Bahoura, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital

“We are proud to recognize dedicated healthcare professionals like Courtney, whose advocacy and commitment to patient safety make a meaningful impact,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “Her quick thinking and willingness to speak up exemplify the highest standards of care and reflect Corewell Health’s dedication to fostering a strong culture of safety in Michigan hospitals.”

More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.

MHA Keystone Center Launches Infection Control Quality Improvement Cohort

Member News

The MHA Keystone Center is launching an infection control quality improvement cohort, providing high-touch technical assistance to ten long-term care (LTC) facilities. The Strengthening Long-term Care Infection Prevention and Control Practices to Address Emerging Pathogens project aims to enhance infection prevention strategies, equipping LTC facilities to effectively manage Candida auris (C. auris) and other emerging pathogens.

The MHA Keystone Center will enroll 10 LTC facilities in the cohort and engage with their frontline staff to increase knowledge and understanding of infection prevention and control best practices. Each participating LTC will have an on-site infection control assessment response visit and on-site and remote technical assistance.

Since its first identified case in 2021, C. auris has rapidly spread across Michigan. As of Feb. 3, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reported 1,390 confirmed cases of C. auris detected across 12 Michigan counties, heavily concentrated in Southeast Michigan.

C. auris is a highly resistant yeast that spreads easily among patients in healthcare facilities and causes infections ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections. Many LTC facilities have expressed concern about caring for residents infected or colonized with C. auris. This project aims to increase facility comfort and confidence in admitting and caring for residents on enhanced barrier precautions, particularly C. auris.

Members interested in enrolling in the cohort or have questions about the program can contact Kristy Shafer at the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Webinar to Review 2025 MI-AIM Eligibility Requirements

Member News

The MHA will host an informational webinar at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 to review 2025 eligibility requirements for hospital birthing units to receive maternal health quality payments through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The funding is geared to members that are fully participating in the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI-AIM) collaborative and have committed to participating in The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care Verification Program.

The webinar will provide time to answer questions and outline ongoing technical support being provided by the MHA Keystone Center. All birthing hospitals interested in pursuing the 2025 state funding opportunity are encouraged to register.

Additional information can also be found on the MHA’s Maternal Levels of Care webpage.

Members with questions may contact MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 23, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Prevents Staffing Ratios and Medical Liability Changes

The MHA defeated legislation that would have established government-mandated nurse staffing ratios and legislation that would have made detrimental revisions to Michigan’s strong medical liability laws during the week of Dec. 16. The MHA opposed …

MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Features Hospital Quality and Safety Improvements

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report, which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to advancing the safety and quality of care alongside Michigan hospitals. The report showcases MHA Keystone Center-led patient and workforce …

speak upUniversity of Michigan Health-Sparrow Police Authority Officer Honored with Q3 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center has recognized Ronald Patterson, a police authority officer at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for December. The Speak-up! …

Obtaining Beyfortus Through the VFC Program

Through an ongoing partnership with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Michigan birthing hospitals are reminded to enroll as a Vaccine for Children (VFC) Specialty Provider in order to administer the respiratory …

Superior Health Quality Alliance Report Highlights Improvements in Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

The Superior Health Quality Alliance – a coalition of eight Midwest healthcare quality improvement organizations including the MHA Keystone Center – recently released a report detailing its work over the past five years as the …

MHA Offers Webinar on Creating Peer Recovery Coach Programs

The MHA will host the webinar Building Effective Peer Recovery Coach Programs in Hospitals Feb. 12 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. to help hospitals create hospital-based peer recovery coach programs, providing background information and …

Keckley Report

Health System Transformation: The Mandate is Clear but Insider Pushback is Strong

“The murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson (aka BT) December 4 and prosecution of his alleged killer Luigi Mangione in Pennsylvania and New York will be in the media spotlight for months to come. The 26-year-old data scientist’ antipathy toward the health industry will be the sidebar in most coverage. …

Our system is fragmented by design, opaque by habit, resistant to change and considers criticism by outsiders unfair or ill-informed. Success and incentives in most healthcare organizations are based on short-term financial performance. Transparency is a threat and innovation is incremental. In the vast majority, Boards are rarely more than rubber stamps for management as long as “the numbers are hit.”

Tension between payers and providers, investor-owned and not-for-profit ownership and preventive health and specialty care has calcified and Executives are promoted as celebrities. In the process, the public’s attention is drawn to the industry where ministry and mission appear subordinate to corporatization and profit. …

That’s not the future. The public expects more and they’re tired of industry pushback and excuses.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 16, 2024

 

News to Know

  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 13.
  • The December edition of Trustee Insights, the AHA’s monthly digital package, highlights resources on key topics such as quality and safety priorities, social determinants of health, board diversity, behavioral health integration and financial performance.
  • In 2025, the MHA will host the second Human Resources Conference and welcome back the MHA Keystone Center’s Safety & Quality Symposium for the first time since 2019

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined Michigan’s Big Show Dec. 16 to discuss the 340B drug pricing program and legislation that would have safeguarded the program. Peters joined guest host Mel Seifert and discussed Senate Bill …

MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Features Hospital Quality and Safety Improvements

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report, which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to advancing the safety and quality of care alongside Michigan hospitals. The report showcases MHA Keystone Center-led patient and workforce safety initiatives, including:

  • Resources created to support Michigan hospitals in their efforts to operationalize improved health outcomes for all.
  • Workforce safety offerings like active shooter trainings and physical security risk assessments provided via support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian.
  • Maternal health outcome improvements made across the state in partnership with the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM).

Printed copies are available upon request.

Members with questions about the report should contact the MHA Keystone Center.

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Police Authority Officer Honored with Q3 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality
speak up
Q3 Speak-up! Award recipient Ronald Patterson, a police authority officer at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow pictured with Kira Carter-Robertson, chief operating officer at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing and MHA CEO Brian Peters.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center has recognized Ronald Patterson, a police authority officer at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for December.

The Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to preventing harm to patients or staff. Patterson was honored for his proactive advocacy on behalf of a patient requiring additional care after being discharged from the emergency department.

While responding to a call to escort the patient out, Patterson quickly identified impairments that could compromise the patient’s safety. Recognizing the potential risk, he took immediate action, alerting the care team. As a result, the patient was readmitted and received the necessary care to ensure their safety.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for something that is truly a part of my daily commitment to ensuring patient safety,” said Patterson. “In this instance, I was simply doing what I believe anyone in my position would do—advocating for a patient who needed additional help to remain safe.”

“Ronald’s actions exemplify our mission to provide exceptional care and foster a culture of safety,” said Kira Carter-Robertson, chief operating officer at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing. “His quick thinking and compassion ensured that this patient received the care they needed. We are proud to have team members like Ronald, who go above and beyond to make a difference.”

Additional finalists for the third quarter of the 2024-25 program year included:

  • Spencer Smith, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault
  • Thomas Warner, McLaren Greater Lansing
  • Beronica Bahoura, Corewell Health Farmington Hills

“Ronald’s actions serve as a powerful reminder that all healthcare workers share a responsibility for the safety and well-being of patients,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “We are pleased to celebrate his commitment to fostering a safe environment and applaud University of Michigan Health-Sparrow’s dedication to cultivating a just culture.”

More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.

Superior Health Quality Alliance Report Highlights Improvements in Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The Superior Health Quality Alliance – a coalition of eight Midwest healthcare quality improvement organizations including the MHA Keystone Center – recently released a report detailing its work over the past five years as the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The report showcases several quality improvement initiatives spanning topics like chronic disease management, infection prevention and control and medication safety. The report highlights the organization’s success in reducing all-cause harm in rural, critical access and acute care hospitals serving vulnerable populations by:

  • Lowering opioid adverse drug events (ADE) by 9%.
  • Reducing anticoagulant-related and hypoglycemia-related ADEs by 46%.
  • Improving community-based care transitions, resulting in a 3% reduction of readmissions.

The organization’s efforts across all improvement areas and settings of care resulted in:

  • 268,656 harms avoided.
  • A $1.02 billion return on investment.
  • More than a 20% relative improvement rate in hospital readmissions.

Members with questions about the report or the Superior Health Quality Alliance should contact the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Keystone Center PSO to Host Structured Communications Safe Table

Member News

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is facilitating a virtual safe table from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23. The Structured Communication Safe Table will be led by I-PASS Patient Safety Institute.

Safe table participants will discuss how implementing structured communication models, particularly in high-risk situations like handoffs, can substantially improve safety, quality and experience outcomes.

Chief quality officers, chief safety officers, chief nursing officers, chief medical officers, vice presidents of quality, safety and risk, vice presidents of clinical transformation, nursing leaders, directors of quality improvement, directors of patient safety and performance improvement directors are encouraged to register and attend virtually.

By the end of the program, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge to:

  • Discuss the prevalence of variation in healthcare.
  • Examine how communication lapses are a primary or contributing factor in patient harm events.
  • Explain how structured handoff programs can simultaneously bolster High Reliability Organization (HRO) efforts and reduce the potential for harmful events to reach the patient.

Nursing and risk management credits are being pursued.

Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center.

About MHA Keystone Center Safe Tables

Safe tables allow hospitals to share ideas with peers, engage in meaningful discussions and obtain advice to make improvements to reduce or eliminate harm. These events are unique in that they offer a legally protected, confidential environment for discussion around sensitive topics.

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn, Network and Grow in 2025

Member News

In 2025, the MHA will host the second Human Resources Conference and welcome back the MHA Keystone Center’s Safety & Quality Symposium for the first time since 2019. Both events have been developed alongside MHA members to ensure relevant content and formats. Registration information will be available after the first of the year.

The Human Resources Conference is a one-day event, held Tuesday, March 25, at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing. Attendees will participate in hands-on breakout sessions and explore ideas to modernize internal and community culture, increase job growth and create local partnerships.

The Keystone Center’s Safety & Quality Symposium on April 28 and 29 will feature industry keynote speakers and breakout sessions with topics including cybercrime downtime preparedness, improving health outcomes for all and workforce wellbeing and safety. The topics are designed to reach chief medical and nursing officers and leaders in safety, quality, risk management and other clinical and improvement areas.

More information about registration, accommodations and speakers will be available in January of 2025. Members with questions may contact the field engagement team at the MHA.

MHA Board of Trustees Considers Election Impact and Association Priorities

Member News, Top Issues - Healthcare

The MHA Board of Trustees began its Nov. 13 meeting with a review of the results from the federal election and its potential impact on key association priorities, led by Carlos Jackson and Mike Goodman with Washington D.C.-based Cornerstone Government Affairs.

The board also received a state election update and discussed the association’s advocacy strategy during lame duck, which is expected to be active due to the shift in party leadership next year from Democratic to Republican control in the Michigan House of Representatives. Opposition to government-mandated staffing ratios, preservation of Michigan’s medical liability law and protecting the 340B drug pricing program remain strong priorities during the remainder of the current session and for the year ahead.

The board reviewed and discussed the MHA 2024-2025 Strategic Action Plan, which sets the association’s priorities for the year and highlights areas needing long-term focus from the MHA and the hospital community. The plan is organized into five key pillars this year:

  • Workforce support
  • Protecting access
  • Support for mental and behavioral health
  • Creating healthy communities
  • Strengthening cybercrime/cybersecurity policy

Board member David Miller, MD, president, University of Michigan Health, executive vice dean for Clinical Affairs, UM Medical School and professor of Urology, University of Michigan Health, provided a safety story that illustrated the important role leaders play in setting an example and in modeling a culture of safety within an organization.

The board concluded with board task force reports, MHA Keystone Center and MHA Service Corporation reports, regional hospital council reports, an AHA report and an update from MHA CEO Brian Peters.

Members with questions about the actions of the MHA Board of Trustees may contact Amy Barkholz at the MHA.