Northside Hospital has received the Vizient Southern States Brilliance Award for its efforts to improve patient safety through a project focused on reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI). The initiative, titled “Leveraging Multidisciplinary Committees to Enhance Processes through Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI) Case Reviews and Analysis,” introduced a process known as HAPI Swarming. This approach brings together teams from nursing, therapy, clinical nutrition, and pharmacy to review cases quickly, share information, and enhance prevention strategies.
According to Northside Hospital, this collaborative method led to a 50% reduction in both HAPI rates and device-related injuries. It also helped with early identification of potential issues and promoted a culture of shared responsibility for patient safety.
Ashley Brunelle, BSN, R.N., MEDSURG-BC, who serves as system coordinator of patient safety at Northside Hospital, presented the project at the Vizient Connections Summit in Las Vegas. There she discussed her team’s progress with peers from other hospitals across the country.
“This award reflects the power of collaboration and innovation at Northside,” said Ellen Evans, director of accreditation and patient safety. “Our teams worked together to tackle a complex challenge and deliver measurable improvements that protect patients and strengthen our culture of safety.”
Bill Senneff, president and CEO of Vizient Southern States added: “Each year, Vizient Southern States recognizes member hospitals for improvements that demonstrate a commitment to quality patient care, patient safety and performance excellence.”
Vizient Southern States is an alliance for not-for-profit health care providers aimed at helping members improve care by aligning cost management with quality standards.
