New Jersey hospitals have achieved significant results in reducing cases of infection, pneumonia and other adverse situations, according to a new study.

Hospital Bed
Christopher Furlong, Getty Images
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The study is part of a nationwide effort; the New Jersey Hospital Association's Institute for Quality and Patient Safety was selected as one of 26 networks across the country to engage in quality improvement activities. More than 60 New Jersey hospitals joined in the effort last January.

One year later, the effort has reached the national goal of 40 percent reduction in three of the quality measures (pressure ulcers, ventilator-associated pneumonia and patient falls that result in harm).

"We're extremely happy with those results, but our work continues because quality improvement is a never-ending process," said Betsy Ryan, NJHA President and CEO.

Other findings:

  • Adverse drug events declined from 11.6 percent to 7.7 percent.
  • Patient falls declined from 0.45 per 1,000 patients to 0.2.
  • Early elective deliveries remained virtually unchanged at 2.8 percent.
  • Pressure ulcers declined from 4.09 percent to 1.42 percent.
  • Surgical site infections following colon surgery declined from 4.19 percent to 3.46 percent.
  • Venous thromboembolisms (blood clots) declined from 201 to 168, a reduction of 16.4 percent.

 

 

 

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