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 American Data Network Announces Recipient of 2009 Quality Grant |
(L-R): Dr. Kirk Coker; Malcolm “Cole” Williamson, American Data Network CEO; Steven
Webb, Administrator; Ruth Ann Blankenship, QAPI/Risk Management, Susan Williams,
Chief Nursing Officer
Little Rock, Arkansas, October 22, 2009 - Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart was selected to receive the 2009 American Data Network Quality Grant according to President and CEO, Malcolm “Cole” Williamson. The five thousand dollar grant was awarded in support of BHMC-Stuttgart’s Skilled Nursing Facility Transfer Communication Protocol.
The grant supports Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart’s initiative to systematically share detailed medical information when patients are transferred between the hospital and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) within the community. SNFs, also known as nursing homes, typically house elderly adults and provide long-term nursing care, rehabilitation and other services. Elderly patients often have longer and more frequent hospitalizations, with a greater severity of illness. The process of transferring patients between hospitals and SNFs is often suboptimal due to communication delays, inconsistent documentation, and the complex nature of the patients. Poorly executed transfers can result in delayed medical diagnoses and treatments, along with unnecessary tests or procedures and fragmented care. Addressing these process issues is an important priority for BHMC-Stuttgart because 50-60% of the hospital’s admissions are transferred from SNFs. To improve communication and coordination of care, BHMC-Stuttgart created a transfer form that standardizes information including a description of the situation, background information, assessment findings and recommendations. Grant funds will be used to provide these forms for all community nursing homes and to support “lunch and learn” sessions that will ensure its adoption and use within the
community. American Data Network applauds BHMC-Stuttgart and is honored to support its efforts to promote best standards in patient care.
“At BHMC-Stuttgart, we are dedicated to maintaining quality and integrity in the care we provide”, Steven Webb, Administrator, said “and receiving this grant from American Data Network will allow us to continue with our educational efforts focused on providing our community with excellent patient care. We are proud to be chosen and I applaud our team on developing an outstanding program worthy of selection.”
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ADN offers an annual grant intended to forward initiatives designed to improve the healthcare of Arkansans.
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Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality - Original projects or initiatives that improve the safety of patient care or that advocate on the patient’s behalf.
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Community Outreach - Original projects or initiatives that identify and address the health needs of community patient populations.
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$5,000
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August 28
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| Click here to download grant guidelines and application packet. |