By Healthcare Facilities Today

Four U.S. hospitals are being recognized for their leadership and innovation in quality improvement and safety through the annual American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize. The prize, supported by a grant from the McKesson Corp., will be awarded July 25 at the Health Forum and American Hospital Association Leadership Summit in San Diego.

The 2013 American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize will be awarded to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, which will receive $75,000.

Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City, Tenn. was honored as a finalist and will receive $12,500. St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Ill. and Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, N.C., both received the Citation of Merit.

Criteria for the 2013 award include the demonstration of an organizational commitment to and progress in achieving the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) six quality aims for safe, effective, efficient, timely, patient-centered and equitable healthcare. The award honors hospitals that are making progress in quality improvement and offer models that can be replicated by others in the hospital field.

“McKesson is proud to partner with the AHA in recognizing hospitals that demonstrate strong organizational leadership and a passion for delivering high-quality patient care,” John Hammergren, chairman and CEO, McKesson Corp., said in a press release. “With the impact of reform, our healthcare system is at an inflection point. This year’s winners exemplify the commitment needed to address the challenges of today and the future, and promote better health in communities across the country.”

About the award recipients, provided by AHA:

Prize Winner: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Boston

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is honored for its creation of a sustainable and pervasive approach to the IOM’s six aims and culture of quality and safety by collecting, analyzing and using data in a transparent manner. Its medical staff is a full participant in quality and process improvement, and they work collaboratively across departments with other clinical staff to address common issues. Beth Israel Deaconess’ strong leadership and engaged staff throughout the organization actively involve patients and family members in quality improvement safety, and in all aspects of hospital operations.

 
Finalist:  Franklin Woods Community Hospital – Johnson City, Tenn.

Franklin Woods Community Hospital serves Johnson City as well as the surrounding rural areas. As a new hospital, it has been strategically designed to provide patient-centered, high quality care. By impressively aligning their goals from a strategic level to an operational and personal level, the hospital truly involves staff in quality and process improvement.

 
Citation of Merit:  St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia, Ill.

St. Mary’s Hospital is an organization with a passion for safety and improvement that is embraced by everyone, from the top leadership throughout the entire staff.  This rural hospital has aligned goals across the hospital and actively involves patients and family members in the care process.

 
Citation of Merit: Vidant Medical Center – Greenville, N.C.

Vidant Medical Center epitomizes patient and family-centered care by not only including patients and their families during the care process, but also in all aspects of hospital operations and improvement activities. Vidant has strong executive leadership and active governance engagement in quality improvement.