Strategies for Improving Patient Safety in Small Rural Hospitals

Authors

Judith B. Tupper DHEd, CHES, CPPS, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service
Andrew F. Coburn PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Stephanie Loux MS, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research Center
Ira S. Moscovice PhD, University of Minnesota, Division of Health Policy and Management, Rural Health Research Center
Jill Klingner PhD
Mary Wakefield PhD, RN, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Rural Health

Document Type

Contribution to Book

Publication Date

7-1-2008

Keywords

Cutler, Population Health and Health Policy

Publication Title

Advances in patient safety: New directions and alternative approaches. Vol. 2. Culture and redesign

Abstract

The Tennessee Rural Hospital Patient Safety Demonstration Project sought to improve patient safety in small rural facilities by strengthening their capacity to implement priority patient safety interventions. The project focused on interventions relevant to the core services and capacities of rural hospitals and was sensitive to their structure and processes. A process for assessing the status of hospital patient safety programs and providing technical assistance tools, and resources was developed. Organizational and clinical changes designed to prevent errors and improve safety were initiated. Eight participating hospitals completed a self-assessment tool to identify and prioritize rural hospital patient safety interventions. These hospitals implemented three interventions: assessment of patient safety culture and implementation of a safety culture plan, development and implementation of emergency department protocols, and use of personal digital assistant devices (PDAs) by clinicians at the point of care to decrease medication errors.

Comments

Book Chapter

Recommended Citation

Tupper, J., Coburn, A., Loux, S., Moscovice, I., Klingner, J., & Wakefield, M. (2008). Strategies for improving patient safety in small rural hospitals. In K. Henriksen, J. B. Battles, M. A. Keyes & M. L. Grady (Eds.), Advances in patient safety: New directions and alternative approaches. Vol. 2. Culture and redesign (pp. 303-313). Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.