In the chaotic hospital environment, it can be difficult to get every single department to focus on one topic at the same time. But that's just what MidMichigan Health in Midland now does at each of its hospitals for 15 minutes each day in the name of patient safety.
According to the Midland Daily News, each of MidMichigan's four hospitals now holds a huddle seven days a week at 9:30 a.m. to identify, address and resolve any patient safety issues. Representatives from each department are present, while home care and urgent care call in, and each representative reports on any issues or concerns.
"Our daily briefings are a simple, easy-to-use tool that our staff is using to share information about potential safety concerns each day," Lydia Watson, MD, CMO and vice president of quality and safety at MidMichigan, told the Midland Daily News. "With just a few minutes of focus each morning, we have found the briefings are producing positive results for our patients across the health system."
Greg Rogers, president of MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland, added, "No issue is too small to be addressed. By meeting seven days a week, issues are being resolved usually that day. Being transparent is key to the success of this program. It's become part of our culture, and it's working."