Quality is the foundation of the Evolucent Risk Management program, and supporting our members on their quality journey is a tremendously rewarding experience. Over the past six years, Evolucent Risk Management consultants have taken an active role in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program as senior examiners and team leaders.
It's time once again for our members to apply for an award! Applications are due January 26, 2017.
National Quality Award Program
The Quality Award Program is part of a criteria-based program that recognizes performance excellence. You can apply to one of three levels sequentially, beginning with Bronze:
- Bronze – Commitment to Quality. Applicants are evaluated on their self-assessment of key factors, including organizational environment, relationships, strategic situation, key challenges, key performance measures, and business relationships. Applicants also describe their performance improvement system and give an example of its success. If you're using QA Reader incident management software, you've got a head start on meeting these criteria! QA Reader specializes in data-driven quality improvement.
- Silver – Achievement in Quality. Applicants provide an extensive self-assessment of their systematic approaches, performance measures, and sustainable organizational and process results. These assessments must be linked to key customer requirements, success factors, and challenges. Only organizations that have earned a Bronze award may apply at this level.
- Gold – Excellence in Quality. Applicants address the Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria. Communities must demonstrate that they are achieving high levels of performance over time in the areas of health care, customer satisfaction, finance, market, workforce, process, and leadership. Applicants must detail their approach, deployment of programs, and level and consistency of results. Only organizations that have earned a Silver award may apply at this level. If you're using QA Reader incident management software, you've got a head start on meeting these criteria! QA Reader specializes in data-driven quality improvement.
No Shortcuts on the Quality Journey
As we review the list of communities that have achieved the National Quality Award, we're seeing that organizations are “doing the right things for the right reasons” and reaping the rewards. There are no shortcuts on the quality journey, only commitment and a desire to provide quality at all levels of your organization.
U.S. News published a list of “Best Nursing Homes” based on the CMS 5-star rating. The websites of many homes on the list indicate they are also Quality Award recipients. Coincidence? Doubtful.
Remember, the journey doesn’t have an end, but only new beginnings. In a perfect world, all homes would provide the highest level of quality care and services to our elders. Let’s move forward, begin the journey one step at a time, support each other’s efforts, and applaud achievements no matter how small. You can succeed!
To apply for the award and for more information, go to the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award website.
If you need additional support, contact your Evolucent Risk Manager for assistance. Enjoy the journey!
