• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Improve quality by enrolling in the AAAHC Institute program

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, October 28, 2004

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Ambulatory Safety Monitor!

Regardless of your accreditation affiliation, an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) can benefit from the AAAHC's Institute for Quality Improvement (AAAHC Institute). The nonprofit organization shows ASCs how to get involved with quality improvement (QI) and benchmarking.

The AAAHC Institute reviews the most popular procedures, such as colonoscopies, and evaluates the organization's data, such as procedure time, preparation time, who performs  the procedure, what happens before, during, and after the procedure, and patient outcome.

From this data, the AAAHC Institute analyzes the information and reports the findings back to you in the form of benchmarking-comparisons with other organizations, including information about best practices-and QI, an internal examination and improvement process. Any facility can take advantage of this program regardless of accreditation affiliation.

You could go it alone

When performing your own QI study, focus on patient complaints, adverse events, and other specific problems at your facility, says Naomi Kuznets, managing director at the AAAHC. "Look at what you do most of the time and compile data on that," she says. An organization-specific exam is an advantage of a solo study.

If you plan to perform a self exam, Kuznets suggests using the related AAAHC Institute workbook "Quality Improvement and Benchmarking: A Workbook of Strategies and Tools for Success." You can order it on the AAAHC Institute Web site or by calling 847/853-6060.

The results of a QI study usually affect everyone on the staff, from nurses to physicians to administrators, so let everyone know about the program. Also focus on the important topics and problem areas in your facility.

Benefits of AAAHC Institute program

If you choose the AAAHC Institute's program, you can rest assured that it keeps your study confidential. It also provides detailed information on specific and current clinical topics because the studies are updated every year. For example, the AAAHC Institute is currently developing a study on myringotomy-a primarily pediatric procedure for putting tubes in patients' ears. Other benefits include

* an easier process because you don't have to set up the study or analyze data yourself

* surveys that are offered year to year so you can track progress

* confidential national benchmarking opportunities with the chance to learn about other organizations' best practices

The program could also save you money. For example, a useful study helps standardize equipment and teaches how to be more efficient. Cost-effective survey benefits include:  better anesthesia policies resulting in less PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting) and leading to shorter patient discharge time; improved patient flow resulting in the ability to see more patients; and better scheduling possibly meaning more business 

The AAAHC Institute also offers annual educational forums to those involved or seeking involvement in QI studies. About 100-150 people attend these forums, which include workshops and group sessions. The next forum is December 4-5 in Las Vegas.

For more information about the program, go to http://www.aaahc.org and choose the AAAHC Institute for Quality Improvement option on the top banner

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Ambulatory Safety Monitor!

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive