Spring has always meant to me a time of rebirth and celebration. Even without the secular connotations we can see the promise of a fruitful year. The daffodils, tulips and crocuses have come and gone; the roses and irises are beginning to bloom; and the trees have shed their pollen and begun to leaf out and shade us for the summer to come.
We have also embarked on the time of professional group recognitions- Patient Safety Awareness was celebrated in March. Hospital Week and Nurses Week will follow in May and a myriad of other professional groups continue to celebrate their own special times as spring continues.
During this time of recognition and celebration, I reflect on AAHQ and all of the professions we represent .Each of us brings to the association unique professional characteristics- of nursing, medical technology, radiology, medicine and informatics but we all share a passion for healthcare quality. Our differences enhance and strengthen our association. It is essential that all of us take the time to celebrate our accomplishments and our roots. AAHQ leadership continues to be very productive this year as we continue to hone our strategic plan and develop programs for 2012.
As the Supreme Court deliberates over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, we in healthcare are once more in a wait and see posture. However, we all know that safe and affordable healthcare is the goal of all and that healthcare quality professionals will be essential in any form the act takes. Take pride in your contribution to the quality and safety of the patients whose lives you protect.
I look forward to seeing you on May 11 at the Baptist Gilbreath Conference Center for our spring conference. The Education Team has once again created a great mix of both local and national speakers. As we approach summer, remember to stop and take time to smell the flowers
Best regards,
Martha Clardy Chamness
MNSc., RN, CPHQ
President, AAHQ
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Friday, May 11, 2012 for AAHQ’s Spring Educational Conference.
We will be hosting at Baptist Health’s Gilbreath Conference Center in Little Rock. The theme of this event is “Inspiring Change: Expert Strategies & Tools of the Trade”. We have an exciting combination of national and local speakers that will provide first-hand knowledge and tactics for addressing some of the industry’s biggest challenges, such as reducing readmissions, building physician alignment, effective use of social media, safe patient handling, and transitions of care. Check out the agenda below and download the brochure for more details on the speakers and learning objectives.
8:00 a.m. Breakfast and Exhibits
8:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
Martha Chamness, AAHQ President
9:00 a.m. Reducing Hospital Readmissions: A Success Story
Dr. Michael Howell, Orlando Health System
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Building Physician Alignment to Improve Clinical Outcomes
Leigh Humphrey, Baylor Regional Medical Center
12:00 p.m. Lunch & Business Meeting
1:00 p.m. Professional Communication: Social Media & Beyond
Jamie Walden, American Data Network
2:00 p.m. Break
2:15 p.m. On the Road to Patient Safe Handling
Phyllis Dorrough, Baptist Health
3:30 p.m. Transitions of Care: A Continuous Quality Improvement Process
Cheri Lattimer, Executive Director, National Transitions of Care Coalition
4:45 p.m. Evaluations and Closing Remarks
DONT FORGET TO ENTER AAHQ’s POSTER COLLOQUIUM. This is another exciting aspect of our Spring conference, and the theme is “Showcasing Quality & Safety”. There is not enough time in our conference agenda to bring attention to all of the excellent work being done around our state to improve care. Posters offer a means for quality professionals to share their hands-on experience, tried and true tactics, and successful implementation strategies. Conference attendees will vote, and prizes will be awarded for Best Overall, Easiest to Replicate, Best Outcomes, and Most Innovative. Don’t miss this opportunity to share best practices and earn bragging rights among your peers.
We look forward to seeing you on May 11th.
Stephanie Iorio-Minnis, BSN, RN, CPHQ, CPC
AAHQ EAT Leader
NAHQ Healthcare Quality Foundation Team Leader
Terry L. Anderson MSN/HCA, RN, PMHN-BC, CPHQ
AAHQ EAT Co-Leader
Patient Safety Clinician/Nursing
Central AR Veterans Healthcare System
