Janice Simmons, Senior Editor

The Commonwealth Fund's 2009 State Scorecard on Health System Performance—much like its inaugural version in 2007—finds a mixed bag in terms of quality healthcare. On one hand are deteriorating health insurance coverage for many adults and rising healthcare costs, but on the other hand there are signs of improved quality of care processes and better coverage of children. However, each state has its own story to tell. [Read More]

October 15, 2009

Editor's Picks

What do quality leaders think?
The 2010 edition of the HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey for Quality Leaders is now open online at www.healthleadersmedia.com/qualitysurvey2010. Included this year are new questions that seek your thoughts on the HIT stimulus package and healthcare reform efforts, among others. Plus, we build on key benchmark questions from last year, checking on your top priorities and your assessment of the challenges and solutions for key quality initiatives. This comprehensive survey should take about 14 minutes to complete. Be sure to provide contact information and we'll enter your name in a drawing for a $1,000 gift card. [Take the Survey Now]

Mortality Rates Found Lower Among Top Rated Hospitals
There is a much better chance of dying in a one-star rated hospital compared to a five-star rated hospital, according to the 12th annual HealthGrades study on Hospital Quality in America. [Read More]

Cedars Sinai Under Investigation for CT Radiation Overexposure to 206 Patients
The 206 people who received "significant" overdoses of radiation eight times above expected levels were undergoing CT scans for detection of stroke at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, federal and hospital officials have confirmed. [Read More]

Hospital Reduces Infection Rates Quickly
After learning about the above average hospital acquired infection rates, SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, NY, kick-started a fast paced improvement program to reduce central line infections in ICUs throughout the facility. A year later, the hospital has reduced its rate to zero, says David Duggan, MD, medical director and quality officer at University Hospital. [Read More]

Why Nurses Are Rising Up Against a Shot in the Arm
The new senior editor for nursing, Rebecca Hendren, looks at why some nurses are resisting H1N1 vaccination. They have concerns about Guillain Barré Syndrome, based on a reported, but unsubstantiated, link with a swine flu like virus prevalent in 1976, as well as inaccurate beliefs the vaccine has not been tested. Here she gives guidance on how health leaders can correct misinformation, stop rumors, and get reluctant staffers vaccinated. [Read More]

This Week's Headlines

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Infection Control Specialists: H1N1 Debate is Distracting From Effective Safeguards
Cheryl Clark, for HealthLeaders Media – October 15, 2009

Family, Boston Medical Center settle after mother's fatal fall in operating room
Boston Globe – October 14, 2009

NQF Honors Patient Safety and Quality Leaders
Heather Comak, for HealthLeaders Media – October 12, 2009

Connecticut gets hospital infection funding
Hartford Courant – October 12, 2009

Webcasts/Audio Conferences

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Service Lines Strategies Workshop 2009: Stroke Care (November 17)

RAC Strategy: Preserve Margin, Prevent Take-backs, Promote Alignment (November 10)

Flexible Medical Staff Models of the Future (October 29)

Marketing to Physicians: Build Relationships to Increase Referrals (October 22)