AZ Hospitals Embrace National Patient Safety Initiative

On June 14th, 55 Arizona hospitals, representing approximately 80% of the state's licensed hospital beds will join a nationwide celebration of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI's) 100,000 Lives Campaign. On that date, the 100,000 Lives Campaign reaches its 18-month milestone & will announce the results of the nationwide initiative to extend or save 100,000 lives nationwide.

"Arizona's hospitals have embraced the 100,000 Lives Campaign," says Adda Alexander, RN, MBA, executive vice president of the Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association (AzHHA). "The good work of physicians, nurses & other caregivers throughout the state has helped standardize medical care practices that can dramatically improve patient care & save lives."

The 100,000 Lives Campaign is the 1st-ever national patient safety initiative that encourages hospitals to adopt a series of 6 proven practices that can improve patient care. Through the voluntary initiative, Arizona hospitals are implementing 6 strategies to:

1. Create 24-hour rapid response medical teams to treat patients at the 1st sign of a life-threatening medical emergency.
2. Halt medication errors by launching tracking & communication systems.
3. Prevent deaths from heart attack through a consistent treatment of aspirin & beta blockers for patients hospitalized for cardiac arrest.
4. Prevent bloodstream infections related to intravenous catheter usage.
5. Avoid surgical-site infections by consistently delivering preoperative antibiotics at the proper time.
6. Avoid ventilator-acquired pneumonia by implementing a series of interdependent, scientifically grounded steps.

"Arizona hospital's have voluntarily participated in this ground breaking initiative," said Alexander. "They have demonstrated tremendous innovation & collaboration. I know this is only the beginning for this & other patient safety & quality initiatives in our state."

Some of the 100,000 Lives Campaign Participating Hospitals are:

Bisbee
Copper Queen Community Hospital

Casa Grande
Casa Grande Regional Medical Center

Mesa
Banner Baywood Heart Hospital
Banner Baywood Medical Center
Banner Children's Hospital @ Banner Desert Medical Center
Banner Desert Medical Center
Banner Mesa Medical Center

Oro Valley
Northwest Medical Center - Oro Valley

Phoenix
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
Banner Estrella Medical Center
Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center
John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital
John C. Lincoln N. Mountain Hospital
Los Ninos Hospital
Maricopa Integrated Health System
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Paradise Valley Hospital
Phoenix Baptist Hospital
Phoenix Children's Hospital
Phoenix Indian Medical Center
St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center

Safford
Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center