PCH efforts to improve quality, patient safety recognized by IHA

The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) has recognized Putnam County Hospital for its work to reduce patient harm by 40 percent and readmissions by 20 percent over the past three years.

The recognition is based on the results of a national campaign known as Partnership for Patients, created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve quality and patient safety at hospitals nationwide.

Putnam County Hospital was one of 116 hospitals that partnered with IHA to form a statewide engagement network, Coalition for Care, and participate with the American Hospital Association's Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET) in the ambitious initiative as the hospitals came together to work collaboratively on patient safety efforts, and not compete on safety.

"All of our physicians and staff at Putnam County Hospital should feel proud of the improvements we have achieved in regard to patient safety and quality," PCH Director of Nursing Joni Perkins said. "By collaborating with IHA and applying the best practices that have been proven to work in our industry, we can provide even better treatment for our patients."

Member hospitals attended educational sessions offered through IHA and HRET to address readmissions, falls and patient and family engagement, among others, and in the last three years, there have been 3,800 participants in educational programs.

In 2014, 59 regional patient safety coalition meetings were held across the state. There are now 68 hospitals with patient and family advisory councils.

"This is proof that efforts to identify harms and reduce readmissions are working," Doug Leonard, president of the Indiana Hospital Association said. "Our hospitals should be commended for their continued commitment to improving patient care. Indiana hospitals have had many accomplishments in the past three years, and will continue this work in 2015 to improve the overall health and well-being of our state."

Recognition of PCH was announced during a Nov. 18 program at The Marten House in Indianapolis.

Accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program and licensed by the Indiana State Board of Health, PCH has been serving its community since 1924.

For more information on Putnam County Hospital's services, persons may call 653-5121 or go to www.pchosp.org.

Indiana Hospital Association is a non-profit organization that serves as the professional trade association for 164 Hoosier hospitals. Membership includes hospitals, multi-hospital systems and community mental health centers.

The mission of the IHA is to provide leadership, representation and services in the common best interests of its members as they promote the improvement of community health status. IHA's primary responsibility is to represent the interests of hospitals in matters of public policy.