About Cincinnati Children's

Do physicians enter prescriptions and other orders using computers linked to medication error prevention software? Are those systems tested to assure that users are warned about serious prescribing errors?

Why is this important? Parents should choose a hospital that uses computerized prescriber order entry systems (CPOE) to order medications, tests and procedures. These systems alert doctors and other prescribers to potential problems and can help avert adverse drug interactions or other harmful events.

Result: “Fully Meets Standards”

Are hospital intensive care units staffed by qualified specialists?  

Why is this important? Parents should choose a hospital with an intensive care unit (ICU) that is staffed by doctors and other care givers who have special training in critical care medicine. These doctors are called “intensivists.” 

Result: “Fully Meets Standards”

Has the hospital implemented safety practices and policies endorsed by the National Quality Forum?

Why is this important? Parents should choose a hospital that has a high Leapfrog Safe Practices score. This means that hospitals have put in place procedures to reduce 13 common, preventable mistakes. Through the consistent implementation of these evidence-based practices, we are dedicated to ensuring our patients’ safety.

Result: “Fully Meets Standards”

Has the hospital implemented Leapfrog’s policy on managing serious events that occur within the facility?

Why is this important? Parents should choose a hospital that has implemented Leapfrog’s policy on managing serious events. Adherence to this policy demonstrates Cincinnati Children’s commitment to transparency as a key driver of transformational change. For more information on the Leapfrog policy, visit Leapfrog’s web page on managing serious events.

Result: “Fully Meets Standards”

How does the hospital compare with other children’s hospitals in reducing catheter-associated bloodstream infections in the ICU?

Why is this important? By reliably implementing evidence-based care protocols known as “bundles” for catheter insertion and maintenance, catheter-associated bloodstream infections can be significantly reduced and even eliminated. We join with others in the pursuit of “perfect care” as we work to completely eliminate these infections.

Result: “Substantial Progress”