“We’re looking at testing models where we have a one-to-one mentoring program, compared to a one-to-five mentoring program,” says Jane Kelly-Cummings, RN, CPHQ, SHM’s senior director of quality initiatives.
Kerr also sees opportunities to expand the scope without sacrificing the customized approach. “We are looking for ways to expand the reach of each individual effort. Right now, customization means that mentored implementation is more like building a Ferrari than a Ford,” she says. “We need to do some ‘train the trainer’ models and explore ways to reach more hospitals simultaneously.”
For Dr. Rogers, his experience with mentored implementation and QI has strengthened his resolve to help hospitalists get it right.
“We have a lot to learn to do this effectively. We have 5,000 hospitals out there and hospitalists are naturally looked at as leaders within the institution,” he says. “The failure of one hospitalist quality-improvement program affects all of us, so success is key. This is one of the most effective tools for doing it.” TH
Brandon Shank is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia.
Letters
The Unique Potential of Hospitalists as Leaders in Healthcare Reform
The usual first response when a physician is asked, “Why do you practice medicine?” is “to help people.” This is especially true for younger practitioners. A frequent second response is “I like the independence.” As physicians, we enjoy being our own boss and calling the shots.
Chapter Updates
New Jersey
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The New Jersey chapter met Sept. 10 at Fiorino’s Restaurant in Summit. The meeting consisted of two discussions: the safe use of anticoagulation to reduce the likelihood of harm, and the current state of healthcare and how it will impact the hospitalist. There were 27 attendees from five HM groups in attendance.
Western Massachusetts
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The Western Massachusetts chapter met June 11 at Zen Restaurant in Northampton. The meeting included a dinner lecture by Richard Zuwallack, MD, FACCP, associate chief of pulmonary diseases at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Conn. His talk was titled “Optimizing the Management of COPD.” A discussion followed his presentation. Hospitalists from three local hospitals attended.