Long-term care providers face new expectations for their safety and quality work in the form of CMS’ QAPI standards. Yet a simple and methodical approach can help LTC providers create a program that meets CMS’ expectations and improves care for residents. Primaris has published a great list of suggestions (“10 Simple and Effective QAPI Planning Tips”) for those who want to strengthen their program; it is available here.
And remember: CPS has tools and programs that can be integrated into this planning for an even stronger program. The AHRQ Survey of Safety Culture helps LTC organizations identify areas ripe for QAPI improvement and helps measure baseline and post-intervention safety culture to demonstrate improvement. CPS also offers programs to help with the improvements that might grow out of the survey. And organizations that participate with CPS’ Patient Safety Organization (PSO) can share their learning and protect it from discovery at the same time.
For information about the AHRQ Safety Culture Survey, contact Alex Christgen (achristgen@centerforpatientsafety.org).
For information about the Center for Patient Safety PSO, contact KathyWire (kwire@centerforpatientsafety.org).
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