A Single Stat for Safety

Improving patient safety is a goal at every hospital and health system. Though there is no single measure of patient safety and quality, a total patient harm rate that aggregates outcomes throughout the organization can get close to a patient safety bottom line. While hospitals and systems should continue tracking individual measures, combining those measures into one total patient harm rate provides a greater opportunity for critical discussion of organizational strategies for improvement. Key strategies to eliminate harm and improve quality are: 1. embracing transparency, 2. engaging clinicians, patients and families, 3. aligning goals throughout the organization, and 4. reducing disparities. Trustees represent the community and the patient. They should be reviewing a total patient harm rate at every meeting. Measuring and eliminating harm are essential to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care -- and a board's strategic imperative.