Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Reedsburg
Reports
2024
Strive for 5: QAPI The Path to Awesome
Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC) faced challenges managing the QAPI process during the Public Health Emergency Act, as resources were reallocated to support patient care and operations. Despite these difficulties, RAMC embarked on a successful QAPI journey, implementing strategies to rebuild its structure, achieving remarkable outcomes, including an HCAHPS 5-star rating.
To initiate this transformation, RAMC developed an organizational framework where process improvement communication and identification of gaps were discussed at all levels. This ensured a smooth flow of information from team members up to the Board level, fostering engagement across the organization and forming a foundational strategy for continuous improvement.
Simultaneously, Human Resources prioritized Employee Satisfaction, aiming for a high ranking in “Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work.” This focus contributed to a holistic approach to quality improvement.
With the structural foundation in place, RAMC adopted the motto “Strive for 5,” heightening awareness of the importance of HCAHPS ratings. Education initiatives were launched at all levels to underscore patient satisfaction, and Leadership Rounding with patients was introduced as a key strategy.
The “Patient First, Patient Safety Culture Quality Model” was integrated through weekly newsletters, Patient Safety Week activities, and new hire orientations, with each section of the quality model implementing distinct strategies that collectively drove success.
As a result, RAMC achieved its first HCAHPS 5-star rating on Press Ganey from July 2022 to June 2023. Additionally, in September 2023, RAMC ranked 38th in “Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work,” with only one other Critical Access Hospital in the Top 100. Staff education and engagement have been pivotal in enhancing quality and patient satisfaction, driving RAMC's outstanding achievements.
To initiate this transformation, RAMC developed an organizational framework where process improvement communication and identification of gaps were discussed at all levels. This ensured a smooth flow of information from team members up to the Board level, fostering engagement across the organization and forming a foundational strategy for continuous improvement.
Simultaneously, Human Resources prioritized Employee Satisfaction, aiming for a high ranking in “Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work.” This focus contributed to a holistic approach to quality improvement.
With the structural foundation in place, RAMC adopted the motto “Strive for 5,” heightening awareness of the importance of HCAHPS ratings. Education initiatives were launched at all levels to underscore patient satisfaction, and Leadership Rounding with patients was introduced as a key strategy.
The “Patient First, Patient Safety Culture Quality Model” was integrated through weekly newsletters, Patient Safety Week activities, and new hire orientations, with each section of the quality model implementing distinct strategies that collectively drove success.
As a result, RAMC achieved its first HCAHPS 5-star rating on Press Ganey from July 2022 to June 2023. Additionally, in September 2023, RAMC ranked 38th in “Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work,” with only one other Critical Access Hospital in the Top 100. Staff education and engagement have been pivotal in enhancing quality and patient satisfaction, driving RAMC's outstanding achievements.
