The Arkansas Association for Healthcare Quality (AAHQ) is an active, multidisciplinary, professional organization
affiliated with the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) and the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).
MISSION
The mission of the Arkansas Association for Healthcare Quality is to improve the quality of healthcare in Arkansas
through the support of membership and encouragement of professional growth through advancing the theories and
practice of quality management.
Assist members in professional growth by means of timely and relevant
educational programs, the exchange of ideas, and the opportunity to participate
in the organization's development.
Enhance leadership roles of quality professionals by providing the most current
information available in the rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Facilitate communication and cooperation between the membership and other
healthcare professionals.
Encourage, promote, and recognize individual members and overall membership of
AAHQ.
AAHQ News Corner
NAHQ Conference Registration Update
March 12, 2008 - The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) will be hosting its 33rd Annual Educational Conference, entitled Collaboration: The Spark Behind Quality. Join fellow professionals on September 14–17, 2008 and ignite the spark behind healthcare Quality at J. W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. The conference brochure will be available April 11th and online registration will begin shortly thereafter. Educational tracks include Leadership, Regulatory/Patient Safety, Continuum of Care, and Informatics. Click here for additional details on hotel/travel information, registration rates, and more.
American Data Network Announces Recipient of Inaugural Quality Grant
Little Rock, Arkansas, October 22, 2007 – White County Medical Center, Searcy, has been selected to
receive the first American Data Network Quality Grant according to President and CEO, Malcolm “Cole” Williamson. The five thousand
dollar grant has been awarded in support of White County Medical Center’s community outreach program focusing on medicine reconciliation.
When patients move across care treatment settings, they are at risk for dangerous drug interactions or
adverse medication events if care givers do not have a clear picture of the patients’ medicine regimens. According to the Institute
for Healthcare Improvement website, poor communication of medical information through the healthcare continuum is responsible for
approximately 50 percent of all medication errors and 20 percent of adverse drug events. Reconciliation is the act of compiling the
most accurate and complete list of medications, by comparing a patient’s current list of prescriptions to the physician’s admit,
transfer, and discharge orders.
The goals of White County’s program are to involve the patient in the reconciliation process, improve patients’ understanding of
current medication regimens, and encourage them to share the list with all healthcare providers. Systematic collection and clear
communication of an accurate patient medication list is essential to ensuring a culture of patient safety. White County Medical
Center believes community involvement is crucial thus will conduct free workshops to educate the general population on the importance
of a complete personal medication record; and hospital clinicians will donate their time to distribute wallet cards, assist with the
documentation, and describe the patient’s role in medication safety.
“Continuous improvement of quality patient care is a mission of our organization”, Ray Montgomery, White County Medical Center President and CEO, said “and receiving this grant from American
Data Network will expand our reach into the community. We are proud to be chosen and I applaud our team on developing an outstanding
program worthy of selection.”
ABOUT AMERICAN DATA NETWORK. American Data Network (ADN) was established in 1994 with one mission in mind: to provide
healthcare professionals with current, actionable information needed to maximize hospital operating efficiencies, improve the quality of
patient care, and support strategic business decisions. Since its inception ADN has worked with healthcare professionals across Arkansas,
providing data systems that aid in the identification, measurement, and prioritization of performance improvement processes. With
our mission in mind, ADN has established an annual grant intended to forward initiatives designed to improve the healthcare of Arkansans.
Little Rock, Arkansas, October 22, 2007 – Governor Mike Beebe has proclaimed October 21-27, 2007 as
Arkansas Healthcare Quality Week. The proclamation was requested by the Arkansas Association for Healthcare Quality.
It serves as an endorsement for the National Healthcare Quality Week, established to promote the importance of
continuous improvement in the quality of healthcare.
The Governor’s public announcement also coincides with National Healthcare Quality Week, which is championed by
the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). Founded in 1976, NAHQ is recognized as the leading
organization for healthcare quality professionals. This week is a time to honor the role and impact of those
professionals/departments and their successes. Many healthcare entities engage in recognition and celebratory
activities, such as educational seminars, luncheons, posters, awards, etc. For great ideas on how to celebrate
Healthcare Quality Week, please visit www.nahq.org/calendar/healthcareqw.htm.
ABOUT Arkansas Association for Healthcare Quality – Arkansas Association for Healthcare Quality (AAHQ) was established to improve the quality of healthcare in
Arkansas through the support of membership and encouragement of professional growth by advancing the theories and
practice of quality management. Over the years, the AAHQ membership has grown strong, as has its impact on the
quality environment. In September, AAHQ was nationally recognized and presented with the 2007 NAHQ Gold Award
for Association Excellence, recognizing exceptional membership services and benefits. AAHQ also received the NAHQ
Gold Award in 2003.
