CNBC Interviews CEO about Patient Safety

Patient Safety Interview presented on www.cnbc.com

Over the last twenty years, Americans have witnessed unprecedented advances in the care of patients. Improved diagnostic procedures, quantum leaps in medical technology, enhanced treatments and a public with the concept of preventative medical care all mean that healthcare – especially in the hospital – has changed to meet the health care needs of today’s patients.

And while the advances in hospitalized care are largely positive, the increased touch points between patients and healthcare providers have increased the risk of errors and of preventable hospital infections. New research published in Health Affairs revealed that about one-in-three patients encounter an adverse event during a hospital stay.This demonstrates that much more needs to be done to improve patient safety.


Which is why we support the Obama Administration’s new focus on patient safety and reducing preventable errors. The new Partnership for Patients will work with doctors, hospitals, insurers and employers to support patient safety improvements and reductions in preventable hospital readmissions.

While hospitals have made important strides to reduce healthcare associated infections, there is still much work to be done to eliminate them completely.

Every American should receive safe, high quality healthcare. That’s the goal driving the work between the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, the Society of Hospital Medicine, the American Hospital Association and their partners in healthcare across the country to promote programs that improve the way care is delivered in the hospital.

Many hospitals, hospitalists and insurers have already begun the journey toward improved patient safety and reduced hospital readmissions. And their experience will pave the way for millions of Americans to receive safer care. A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shows a 35 percent reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections in hospitals participating in AHA’s Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program.

Creating financial incentives to reward quality instead of quantity of healthcare delivered is a major way to drive better and safer patient quality care. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield system has taken the lead in experimenting with many different payment systems meant to reward higher quality and has partnered with hospitals and other providers to directly support important safety improvement activities.

Working closely with hospitals and partners on the widespread adoption of life-saving health information technology like electronic medical records, and adopting “e-prescriptions” to flag and prevent potentially life-threatening drug interactions on a real-time basis, is also bearing real results.

Making sure that patients continue to get the care they need after they leave the hospital is critical to reducing readmissions. This means ensuring that patients understand the instructions on taking and monitoring their medications.

To read the full interview please visit:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/42768103

Scott P. Serota, is President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Jeff Wiese, MD, SFHM, President of Society of Hospital Medicine and Rich Umbdenstock, President American Hospital Association.