The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73012

Stephen Hough, MPH, MA, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1201 Louisiana Suite 2900, Houston, TX 77002, (713) 356-8169, stephen.hough@us.pwcglobal.com

Presentation Proposal Abstract Outline:

� Patient Safety � I will show you patient safety! � What are the bottom line issues? � Misconceptions regarding cause of medical errors � Recommendations for patient safety process/programs � The Optimal operational identifiers of medical errors � Why develop a patient safety process; why to require a patient safety process/program � Incorrect assumptions; Medical error as a deviation from an established standard � Redesign strategy to integrate patient safety, peer review, risk management, quality improvement, human resources, legal, operations, public relations and finance � Cause � Effect � Identification of existing systems and process effectively promoting patient safety � Creating a culture of patient safety � Patient safety is an integral mission component to provide high quality health care � Role of peer review � Current focus overlaps three fundamental areas � Controlling cost � Characteristics of successful patient safety programs � Patient safety best practice assessment � Challenges � Opportunities

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be provided information, perspectives, techniques, skills and quantifiable examples to assist their respective organizations/entities with implementing, monitoring and/or improving a patient safety process to reduce medical errors and liability and increasing quality
• Major outcomes of the session is that participants will have new insight into constructing, improving and applying useful tools and strategies to reduce risk and cost while improving quality.
• At the conclusion of the session, attendees will better understand how to utilize existing resources and capabilities to minimize risk, reduce cost and improve quality and productivity

Keywords: Cost Issues, Quality Improvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.