Teams from University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto won this year's Sherman Award for Excellence in Patient Engagement.
The Sherman Award, given out Thursday at the National Patient Safety Foundation's 19th Annual Patient Safety Congress, recognizes hospitals with innovative programs aimed at improving care and outcomes through patient and family engagement. They were presented by Taylor Healthcare and the Lucian Leape Institute on behalf of EngagingPatients.org, which sponsors the award.
This year's winners are:
University of Rochester Medical Center's UR Voice Team. UR Voice is a survey tool used to record patient-reported outcomes such as perspectives on physical function, mood and pain level. Patients take the three- to five-minute survey after every outpatient visit. URMC uses the data to facilitate shared decision-making and allows patients to see what a certain treatment would do for them using predictive analytics.
Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital's Client and Family Centered Care Simulation Development Team. This hospital is Canada's largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital focused on children with disabilities. The Client and Family Centered Simulation Development Team developed simulation scenarios to provide hands-on learning opportunities to new hires and current staff. Two videotaped and two live scenarios are in use today.
"Greater patient and family engagement — at all levels — really is an essential factor in improving safety and outcomes," said Tejal Gandhi MD, chief clinical and safety officer of IHI. "As this year's honorees demonstrate, improving patient and family engagement takes thought, effort, persistence and innovation. But it can be done successfully with great effect."