Bay State Patients Are First
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-03-30 16:52:01
"Patients First," is a new, first-in-the-nation sweeping quality initiative that ensures consumers have access to information they need to make the best health care choices. Comprised of 68 acute care hospitals in Massachusetts and their nursing leaders, Patients First outlines staffing plans for units at each of the participating hospitals. It also provides details about hospital stays including guidance on evaluating care, and information about hospital team members.
Helping Consumers Make Informed Decisions
"AARP believes consumers must have open access to quality information about their health care needs," said AARP Massachusetts State Director Deborah Banda. "Patients First is one of the most innovative initiatives in the country to help patients get the information they need make informed health care choices."
Quality and Safety for All
Each participating hospital has also signed a pledge to adopt the five-part Patients First leadership agenda to:
- Provide staffing that meets patient needs.
- Promote a safe and supportive working environment for all those who provide care and in which patient safety is the top priority.
- Provide the public with the hospital performance measures they need to make informed decisions about their care.
- Tackle the chronic problem of shortages of nurses and other caregiving professionals by building a plentiful and committed workforce through hospital-based initiatives and strategic partnerships.
- Educate the public about what hospitals are doing to ensure and improve safe care and forge partnerships among hospitals and with leaders of business, government, consumer groups, and others to promote access to high-quality, safe care for all.
AARP Massachusetts is active in patient safety issues as member of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors.
For More Information
Visit Patients First online to learn about the hospitals and nursing leaders in your area.
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