Edward-Elmhurst leaders showcase quality improvement initiatives

On April 12, leaders from Edward-Elmhurst Health met with legislators in Springfield at the Illinois State Capitol to share quality improvement initiatives that have benefited patients, families and communities, while reducing healthcare costs.

Edward-Elmhurst was among more than 90 hospital and health systems from across Illinois to highlight efforts to improve patient care and safety during the Illinois Health and Hospital Association’s (IHA) Quality Advocacy Showcase.

Annemarie Schmocker, BSN, RN, CIC, Manager, Infection Control and Prevention, Elmhurst Hospital, met with Rep. Patricia Bellock, Sen. Michael Connelly and Sen. Chris Nybo during the event.

Among the initiatives featured was Elmhurst Hospital’s Clostridium difficile infection reduction Rapid Process Improvement project, which focused on staff training and antibiotic stewardship. The hospital invested $20,000 and saw a cost savings of $116,560.

Edward Hospital highlighted its Sepsis Rapid Process Improvement project, which created electronic decision support to identify sepsis patients and guide appropriate treatment. The hospital invested $20,000 and saw a cost savings of $2 million.

Linden Oaks Behavioral Health featured its effort to enhance safety in the behavioral healthcare setting and Edward-Elmhurst Health showcased its system-wide effort to address the opioid epidemic.

For the patients, families and communities that Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks serve, the initiatives mean improved patient safety, quality of care and patient satisfaction.

IHA’s Quality Advocacy Showcase, in its third year, is designed to visually demonstrate the work of physicians, nurses, quality improvement leaders and hospital administrators to develop and implement solutions to improve care.

For more information about Edward-Elmhurst Health’s quality initiatives and recognition, visit www.eehealth.org/about-us/how-we-perform.