MVRMC Joins National Campaign To Save 100,000 Lives Through Healthcare Improvement

Date:  May 11, 2005   

In a public address delivered today at the Magic Valley Regional Medical Center Community Open House, CEO John Kee announced that MVRMC has joined the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s 100,000 Lives Campaign. “MVRMC commits to track and report outcomes that are proven to improve patient safety,” stated Kee. 

This unprecedented national campaign aims to save 100,000 lives by June 2006 by enlisting 1500 - 2000 hospitals across the country to reach this goal. According to Dr. Alan Frost, “MVRMC has been working on many of the IHI initiatives for some time. However, the 100k Lives Campaign gives us the opportunity to apply the best knowledge and techniques to achieve the greatest improvement for the safety and care of our patients.” 

The campaign was formally unveiled on December 14, 2004 and Magic Valley Regional Medical Center leaders endorsed the plan in January 2005. “We are organizing a world-class campaign to elect quality,” said Dr. Donald Berwick, President and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. “The health care organizations that join this campaign are not only demonstrating their commitment to improvement, but their determination to put proven, life-saving techniques into action.” 

As part of the 100k Lives Campaign, Magic Valley Regional Medical Center committed to track and report results of the following six quality improvements. 
     1. Rapid Response Teams – any staff member may call a team to check a patient if they are concerned about them.
     2. Care for Heart Attack – taking aspirin and beta-blockers early (a type of heart medication)    –studies show this may prevent deaths from heart attack.
     3. Prevent Adverse Drug Events – requires that a list of all of a patient’s medications (vitamins, herbal, and over the counter) be checked to be sure that the patient is given the right one. 
     4. Prevent Central Line Infections – by following five steps called the “Central Line Bundle.”
     5. Prevent Surgical Site Infections – by giving antibiotics before surgery, watching blood sugar levels and not shaving the skin.
     6. Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia –by following five steps called the “Ventilator Bundle” – such as raising the head of the bed. 

For more information about the 100k Lives Campaign, go to
www.ihi.org/ihi/programs/campaign . 

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(News Editors: For more information contact Sharon Fischer, MVRMC Director of Quality Resources, 208-737-2055.)