Quality Quarterly

Carlix Lung Returns to HQI as Programmer Analyst  

We are thrilled to announce the return of Carlix Lung to HQI, this time as a full-time member of our dynamic team. Carlix, who previously interned with us as a student data assistant, has come back to contribute his expertise and passion for problem-solving in a full-time role of programmer analyst. 

HQI Quality Analytics System Expands with Enhanced Features to Better Serve Hospitals

As participation in the Hospital Quality Improvement Platform (HQIP) grows, HQI continues to improve the platform’s capabilities. Recent updates include new reports highlighting the top five quality of care measures that have degraded since COVID-19 (also detailed in a recent HQI analysis) and severe maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as updated 2023 data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Latent Tuberculosis Threatens Patient-Centered Care

Despite hospitals’ commitment to patient-centered care, navigating the complexities of health literacy, cultural diversity, and language barriers presents a formidable hurdle, exemplified by the rising incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in California. The increasing prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) poses a unique concern, as individuals with LTBI are often asymptomatic and unaware, making early intervention crucial.

HQI Resources Help Hospitals Prioritize Patient Safety

This year marks a quarter century since the 1999 landmark report, To Err is Human — a reminder of just how long the nation has been on this journey to patient safety. Many believe the pace of improvement has been too slow. In some instances, hospitals are falling short of a true culture of safety; staff are leaving the profession and patients are still being harmed. But, for hospitals willing to renew their “constancy of purpose” for improving patient safety, there are solutions. 

A Window into Patient Safety: Underreporting of Near-Miss Events in CHPSOData

A “near miss” in health care is when an error or adverse event is narrowly avoided. Though often underreported and underrecognized, near misses are significant indicators of potential patient safety hazards. While exact statistics vary due to reporting practices and definitions, studies suggest that near misses are relatively common occurrences. So, here’s the million-dollar question: Why do health care organizations underreport these near occurrences, which could result in learnings that prevent patient harm?

Improvement Never Ends

Patient safety is the focus of what we all do. It involves a never-ending process of learning, understanding, and improving. At HQI, our goal is to support the dedicated people who are on the front lines of patient safety with valuable information to help them do their jobs better and open the door to new ideas in the world of health care.