| October 3, 2011 | For More Information Contact: Andy Van Pelt 503-479-6018 |
100% Oregon Hospital Participation in Voluntary Adverse Event Reporting Program
Launched by the Oregon Patient Safety Commission in 2006
Lake Oswego --- The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) has been a staunch partner with the Oregon Patient Safety Commission and the voluntary hospital adverse event reporting program it administers. As of September 30, 2011, all 58 of Oregon's community hospitals are participating in the reporting program.
"With full hospital participation, we will have a comprehensive perspective about the serious adverse events that occur and how we can learn from each other to improve patient safety outcomes in Oregon," stated Diane Waldo, director of quality and clinical services for OAHHS.
Oregon's hospitals provide over 99 percent of inpatient care. Hospitals report detailed information on adverse events to the Commission in a cooperative effort to improve overall patient outcomes. In return, the Commission shares evidence-based prevention practices with hospitals and helps hospitals establish quality improvement techniques to reduce system errors.
While Oregon hospitals have achieved reporting numbers similar to those in states with mandatory reporting, the Commission is developing hospital standards for reporting. The standards provide guidance for hospitals regarding the number, quality and timeliness of reports, as well as a basis for acknowledging hospitals' efforts and developing a recognition program to be launched in 2012. The report, Progress Toward Robust Reporting, provides information about current state standards for adverse event reporting.
"We are excited about the full participation of hospitals in our program. We have had a vision of creating a safe environment for our hospitals to share information that can produce real change and an overall better experience for patients in Oregon," stated Bethany Higgins, executive director of the Commission.
Reducing hospital-related adverse events is a corner stone of OAHHS' quality program. In 2008, the association passed a statewide resolution supporting no-pay for adverse events as related to the Oregon Patient Safety Commission's list of qualifying adverse events.
"Today's news is just one more positive step to improving the high quality of patient care we have come to expect in Oregon," continued Waldo.
About OAHHS: Founded in 1934, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon's innovative health care industry. OAHHS represents the 58 acute care community hospitals in Oregon and two specialty hospitals.
About OPSC: The Oregon Patient Safety Commission is a semi-independent state agency charged by the Oregon Legislature with reducing the risk of serious adverse events occurring in Oregon’s health care system and encouraging a culture of patient safety. The Commission consists of a 17-member board appointed by the Governor, which represents diverse healthcare interests, including consumers. The Commission provides an independent voice for patient safety in the state of Oregon through adverse event reporting, evidence-based prevention practices, and quality improvement.
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