Phelps Health Recognized for Excellence in Quality Improvement

Health Quality Innovators (HQI) awarded Phelps Health the Gold Award through the Health Quality Improvement Contractors (HQIC) Recognition Program. This prestigious award highlights the health system’s efforts to improve patient safety and healthcare quality. This acknowledgment comes after a challenging four years marked by a pandemic, workforce shortages and rising workplace violence. Through these difficulties, Phelps Health remained committed to advancing quality care for patients and the community.

Key Improvements and Initiatives at Phelps Health

• Earned the HQI Innovator Award for reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections

• Shared best practices with other hospitals to prevent bloodstream infections and improve antibiotic use

• Reduced the number of severe colon infections caused by the C. difficile bacteria

• Lowered the occurrence of pressure ulcers in patients

• Decreased patient injuries due to falls

• Maintained a zero rate of severe blood clots in the legs or lungs

• Introduced a discharge planning checklist to improve patient care transitions

• Established shift-change meetings and bedside reporting involving patients and families to improve communication

• Appointed a dedicated leader to oversee patient and family engagement efforts

• Created a Patient and Family Advisory Council that reports directly to the Phelps Health Board, ensuring patients’ voices are heard

• Launched a system to screen patients for social factors that impact their health

“At Phelps Health, we are honored to receive this recognition for our dedicated work in the HQIC program,” said Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer Keri Brookshire-Heavin. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our incredible team, who continuously strive to improve the health and safety of the patients we serve across south-central Missouri.”