MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITALS LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING TRANSPARENCY INTITIATIVE by Jim Conway

Today, Massachusetts hospitals and nurse leaders are taking another leadership step in their efforts to be open and transparent about the care they provide. Our hospitals are the first in the nation to voluntarily “open their books” if you will and let the public see how they are performing when it comes to falls and falls with injury in the hospital. When I told a national leader in improving falls, Pat Rutherford RN IHI Vice President, about this data release she told me that given the scarcity of public data in this area, it will be an enormous contribution to national efforts.

Data transparency by healthcare organizations can accomplish at least three goals: demonstrate the organization’s willingness to be held accountable for their practice, educate those they serve, and improve the service levels, satisfaction, costs, and outcomes of care. With release of this data, Patient’s First and Massachusetts Hospitals continue to demonstrate a leading edge commitment to accountability, education, and improvement. Their work will also continue to inform a state and national journey.

Congrats to all involved in the release of the data and in the commitment to work to eliminate preventable harm from falls.

Jim Conway, Senior Vice President, Institute for Healthcare Improvement