Do hospitals utilize and reliably implement special bar coding technology that can significantly reduce medication errors?

Why this is important: Parents should choose a hospital that demonstrates high performance with patient and medication scanning prior to medication administration. This safeguard and related decision support helps ensure the right patient, medication, dosing, and other patient-specific checks.

Do hospitals manage the use of antibiotics to help prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

Why this is important: By adopting the Centers for Disease Control’s Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs, a clear commitment is made to optimizing the treatment of infections and utilizing antibiotics and helps prevent multi-drug resistant organisms. Through a developed antibiotic stewardship program, we can optimize treatment and better ensure patients get the right drug, at the right time, and for the proper length of time.

Are hospital intensive care units staffed by qualified specialists?  

Why this is 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 this is important:  Parents should choose a hospital with a high Leapfrog Safe Practices score. This means hospitals have implemented procedures that address a variety of hospital quality and safety areas. Each practice contains the following elements, awareness, accountability, ability, and action, with specific requirements that must be met in each section. 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 this is 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 perform in reducing catheter-associated bloodstream infections?

Why this is 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 other hospitals in the pursuit of perfect care as we learn together the best way to eliminate these infections. By working together, we move faster toward our goal of zero harm for the patients we serve.

Results:

• Reduce central line infections in ICUs:  “Willing to Report”

Learn more about this work and the Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) improvement collaborative.

Find more information on how to join the network of hospitals on this safety journey.