Summary
Reducing Patient Harm with NAPA's Anesthesia Risk Alerts Program
In a recent episode, Dr. Leo Penzi, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA), discusses how the company’s Anesthesia Risk Alerts (ARA) program is reducing patient harm and promoting collaborative perioperative cultures. The ARA program works by assessing patients prior to undergoing an anesthetic for five high-risk clinical scenarios, then recommending specific mitigation strategies based on those risks.
The Recognition of Excellence
The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum honored the ARA program with the 2022 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for National Level Innovation. This recognizes NAPA’s dedication to improving patient safety and is a testament to the effectiveness of the ARA program.
How Does the ARA Program Work?
The ARA program is a system created to improve patient safety and quality by implementing strategies such as dual-process model reasoning, cognitive de-biasing, blue team, and red team challenge methodologies. This program improves communication and collaboration across clinical campuses, decreasing adverse events, and creating a safer environment for patients.
Upon orientation, clinicians must view a 15-minute video and receive performance feedback via text message and email. They must then review compliance with clinical site leaders on a monthly basis. The program is replicable and can be implemented in other healthcare systems.
The Benefits of the ARA Program
The ARA program has resulted in a 95% compliance rate and a significant decrease in adverse events. It has benefited clinicians by breaking down traditional communication barriers, empowering them, and providing clinical education. The program is an example of how healthcare providers can customize strategies to their own needs, resulting in a win-win for everyone.
The Bottom Line
The ARA program is a prime example of how healthcare providers can positively impact patient outcomes by implementing customized strategies. With NAPA’s dedication to improving patient safety, it is no wonder that they have been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2022 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for National Level Innovation.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 03/20/2023 and can be listened here.
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