In 2019, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identified opportunities to improve the safe delivery of healthcare and has engaged in multiple continuous improvement initiatives. However, to run a complex enterprise efficiently, MD Anderson needed to break silos, learn from the frontline and educate and train leaders in a psychologically safe environment in effort to improve the culture of safety by developing a safety-focused workforce, improve robust processes around high-harm events, increase transparency/feedback regarding safety events and advance the institution towards a High Reliability Organization (HRO) with zero preventable patient harm.

This session will delve into MD Anderson’s significant journey toward establishing a culture of safety and reliability in the complex, high-risk environment within the nation’s top cancer center. Practical examples and detailed insights will be shared on the numerous strategic steps taken and innovative programs developed, such as unique approaches to daily briefings, invaluable learnings gleaned from patient safety events and the inspiring leadership that sets the example for others.

Speakers will describe key interventions including root cause analysis redesign, the development of a Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) council, implementation of tiered readiness briefings, the selection and transparency of Serious Safety Event Rate as the organization’s measurement of patient safety, implementation of a mandatory training program in HRO principles and skills and the creation of priority focus areas supported by QAPI.

The session will conclude with a real-word application of the commitment towards an HRO in the diagnostic imaging space and review the actionable findings vigilance unit, which discovers potentially actionable radiologic findings unrelated to the original cause for imaging. . As well, the development of a safety net structure and process will be described for ensuring that such findings are resolved within appropriate timeframes. Intervention, process and patient safety outcomes, including achieving the number one spot in the 2023 Vizient Quality and Safety Scorecard will be reported.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a blueprint towards safety and a High Reliability Organization.
• Explore tacit and explicit knowledge, models, approaches and frameworks for change in a complex environment; develop metrics for success and sustainability and take inspiration from other change leaders.

Faculty:

Carmen E. Gonzalez, MD, FACP, FACMQ, Chief Patient Safety Officer and Professor, Emergency Medicine Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Habib Tannir, FACHE, Vice President, Diagnostic Operations, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

José Rivera, Chief Administrative Quality Officer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Continuing Education Credit

ACHE Qualifying Education Credit

This webinar is eligible for 1 ACHE Qualifying Education credit. ACHE Qualifying Education credits will be automatically updated in your My ACHE account upon completion of the recording.

Interprofessional Continuing Education Credit

In support of improving patient care, the American College of Healthcare Executives is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive a maximum of 1 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change. For further information about Joint Accreditation credits and certificates, please click here.

Physician Continuing Medical Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Nursing Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 contact hours of continuing nursing education.

Continuing Pharmacy Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this knowledge-based activity for a maximum 1 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit. 

Continuing Social Work Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this knowledge-based activity for a maximum 1 contact hours of continuing social work education credit.

Continuing Education for Dietitians

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this knowledge-based activity for a maximum 1 contact hours of continuing education credit for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered. RDs and DTRs should enter activities offered by jointly accredited providers as type 102 on Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) activity logs. CPEUs awarded must be commensurate with participation in the activity.

Physician Associate/Physician Assistant Continuing Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for a maximum of 1 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.