DCHA

DCHA Announces 2024 Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award Winners

Novembre 14, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

The District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA) announced its 2024 Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Awards on November 8 at a special tribute event honoring Vincent C. Gray for his years of service and numerous contributions to the District and its residents.

DCHA believes that to achieve health equity we must understand the challenges, aspirations, barriers, and realities of the community. It’s vital to share examples of innovative approaches to equity and shine a light on leaders across the District of Columbia. DCHA recognizes the importance of health equity and is working with its member hospitals to ensure that disparities in health care quality and access are eliminated.

Last year, DCHA announced the Health Equity Award to honor and recognize those who are making health equity a reality in their community and leveraging engagement to improve health outcomes for those most impacted by health disparities.

The inaugural award was given to Vincent C. Gray for his demonstrated success in changing systems that impact health outcomes in access and equity, diversity, and inclusion. The award was given to recognize his decades of service to the District, history of dedication to eradicating health disparities, perseverance in ensuring that all residents have access to quality health care, and for being an instrumental force in making the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center a reality.

The award is now called the Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award to forever honor Vincent Gray’s legacy of being a voice for the voiceless and ensuring that health care is a right and not a privilege.

DCHA is proud and excited to name this year’s recipients of the 2024 Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award for their commitment, dedication and inspiring actions to advance health equity and eliminate health disparities.

Safe Babies, Safe Moms Program, MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Safe Babies Safe Moms is a partnership between MedStar Health, Community of Hope, and Mamatoto Village that addresses disparities in maternal and infant care in Washington, DC. The program puts each family at the center of their care before, during, and after pregnancy and until the child reaches age three. Safe Babies, Safe Moms combines the expertise of MedStar Health, evidence-based health care, and proven community-centric support services. The program brings together partners and the community to provide interdisciplinary, multigenerational health and support services for birthing people and their families.

Joy A. Lewis, MSW, MPH, American Hospital Association
The American Hospital Association’s Joy Lewis, Senior VP of Health Equity Strategies and Executive Director of the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, has led efforts to address systemic racial and health disparities, including those in maternal health, structural racism, and disability inclusion. The Health Equity Roadmap is a cornerstone project that assists hospitals in embedding equity into their clinical and business operations. Key disparities addressed include inadequate maternal health care for vulnerable groups, specifically Black and Indigenous women, as well as improving access for minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ populations.

Dr. Kimberly Nettles, PharmD, RPh, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Health
Dr. Nettles led a transformative health equity project aimed at reducing disparities in cancer screening, treatment access, and outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities. The project addressed disparities in oncology care, where these vulnerable groups experience higher rates of late-stage cancer diagnoses and lower access to cutting-edge therapies. By including community-based education, partnerships with health care providers, targeted outreach, culturally competent care models and increasing diversity in clinical trials, the project resulted in an increase in cancer screening rates and a reduction in late-stage cancer diagnoses.

“On behalf of DCHA and the Board of Directors, we are proud to honor such deserving individuals who have dedicated their professional careers – and personal time – to addressing health equity and positively impacting the health outcomes of the DC community and beyond,” said Jacqueline D. Bowens, President & CEO of DCHA.

Thank you to our Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award sponsors: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Sibley Memorial Hospital, ReedSmith, Vital Corporation, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, Cherrie Wanner Doggett, Howard University, Howard University Hospital, MedStar Health, Psychiatric Institute of Washington and Jason Wright.

DCHA Announces Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Awards

Novembre 13, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

The District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA) awarded its 2024 Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Awards at its Health Care & Innovation Summit on October 30 at the AAMC Learning Center in D.C. The award winners were chosen by a panel of independent judges from the health care industry.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s competition and congratulations to all of the award winners. We are so proud of the work you do to support your hospital and to promote patient safety and quality across the District,” said DCHA President & CEO Jacqueline D. Bowens.

The Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Competition award winners are:

Gold: Howard University Hospital, Lorena Velazquez and Gina Wilson
Measures to Improve SEP-1 Bundle Compliance in the Emergency Department at Howard
The Howard University Hospital team used a structured quality improvement approach through daily audits of clinical documentation and protocol, and adherence to improve sepsis bundle compliance. Following the project launch, significant improvement was observed in sepsis bundle compliance, reaching 84% compliance in March 2024, marking the highest compliance achieved at Howard.
Silver: The George Washington University Hospital, Alexandra Walker
Reducing Postoperative Respiratory Failure in High-Risk Surgical Patients
A respiratory therapy-driven clinical pathway was developed by the GWUH team for high-risk surgical patients, identified by surgery type and low incentive spirometry volumes. Daily evaluations were completed by respiratory therapists and collaborative support was provided by nurses, providers, and therapists to address barriers and promote mobility. In the first nine months of the pilot, only two of the 501 eligible surgical patients required higher care, none developed postoperative respiratory failure, incentive spirometry documentation improved and missed chest expansion treatments dropped to 0.2% from more than 50%.
Bronze: Children’s National Hospital, Nichole McCollum
Undertriage: A New Quality Metric to Improve Patient Care in the Pediatric ED
The Children’s team defined undertriage patients as those whose acuity is underestimated at triage, leading to significant safety risks. To address this, they reviewed a random sample of monthly undertriage visits by multidisciplinary teams and determined key drivers and interventions. Results show the percentage of patients meeting EHR criteria for undertriage decreased from 3.6% to 3.1% resulting in a centerline shift.

DCHA also awarded its 2024 Health Care & Innovation Individual Awards to individuals who exhibit excellence in their field, strengthening their hospital’s mission and goals. Award winners also manage change in an environment of competing priorities, and support resiliency and engagement from patients, caregivers, and the care team.

Dr. Mana Ali-Carter, Board-Certified Rehabilitation Psychologist MedStar National Rehabilitation Center
Dr. Ali-Carter was nominated for being an exemplary caregiver who demonstrates compassion in her work and has garnered her reputation as a sought-after professional, especially in times of crisis. She is a driving force behind providing knowledge and passion in fostering an environment that embraces diversity and ensures equity for all.
Vineela Yannamreddy, Chief Information Officer United Medical Center
Ms. Yannamreddy was nominated for her exceptional leadership qualities, ability to foster a culture of innovation and her collaboration within the hospital. Her leadership, strategic vision, and technical expertise were instrumental in guiding the hospital through crisis, supporting frontline health care workers, and laying the foundation for a more resilient health care system.

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DCHA President & CEO Named 2024 Woman Who Means Business

Novembre 7, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

Jacqueline D. Bowens, President and CEO of the DCHA has been recognized as one of Washington Business Journal’s 2024 Women Who Mean Business, an annual honor awarded to influential women executives who drive success within their industries and communities. The award celebrates leaders who demonstrate a commitment to excellence, innovation, and dedication in their work. As a visionary leader in health care, Bowens has spearheaded pivotal initiatives at DCHA, notably in advancing health equity and improving access to maternal health services. Her work is characterized by a passion for systemic change, evidenced by her ongoing efforts to foster collaboration among hospitals, policymakers, and community organizations to address health disparities and to elevate the quality of care in the district. Bowens’ commitment to her field and her profound impact on health care access in Washington, D.C. are also reflected in her role as a mentor, empowering future leaders and encouraging the next generation of women in health care.

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Children’s National: Sustainable Growth Makes Us Stronger Together

Novembre 6, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Children’s National Hospital Annual Report

This annual report highlights the DEI Program’s progress and leadership’s unwavering commitment in spite of anti-DEI headwinds at the national level. It captures the many ways that Children’s National is reaching beyond the walls to share the lessons learned with other children’s hospitals and health systems that are on their own equity-focused journeys. The report includes DEI program success factors, target areas to measure equity in care, DEI awards, among other notable updates and outcomes.

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DCHA is Hiring Executive Assistant to President & CEO and Liaison to the Board of Directors

Ottobre 31, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

Come work for an outstanding association and team at the Associazione ospedaliera del distretto di Columbia as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Liaison to the Board of Directors. The District of Columbia Hospital Association has, for almost 45 years, worked to advance the missions of the hospitals and health systems of the District of Columbia by promoting policies and initiatives that strengthen the system of care, preserve access and promote better health outcomes for the patients and communities they serve. The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support to the President and CEO of the DC Hospital Association and serves as the key staff liaison to the DCHA Board of Directors. The Executive Assistant is responsible for managing the Executive office’s daily operations, coordinating communications, assisting with Board planning and activities, and ensuring smooth organizational functions. The role requires exceptional organizational, communication, writing, and multitasking abilities.

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DCHA is Hiring Senior Program Manager, Emergency Management

Ottobre 29, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

Come work for an outstanding association and team at the Associazione ospedaliera del distretto di Columbia as Senior Program Manager, Emergency Management. The District of Columbia Hospital Association has, for almost 45 years, worked to advance the missions of the hospitals and health systems of the District of Columbia by promoting policies and initiatives that strengthen the system of care, preserve access and promote better health outcomes for the patients and communities they serve. The role of the Senior Program Manager, Emergency Management is to lead and coordinate the important work of the Association and its members surrounding emergency preparedness and response. The Senior Program Manager will work with Association leadership and staff, in coordination with District agencies to identify and execute opportunities to build member value by strengthening existing plans, policies and procedures, supporting training and exercises related to emergency management and preparedness.

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July 2024 Utilization Report

Ottobre 14, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

Mette in risalto
All except one of the focus utilization metrics saw an increase in volumes going from June to July 2024 compared to 2020 pre-COVID baselines. Ambulatory surgeries present the biggest jump in numbers going from -6% below the baseline in June, to 3% over the baseline in July. Comparably, acute care admissions changed going from -18% below the baseline in June to -16% in July, Emergency Department visits went from -28% to -25%, and psychiatric admissions increased in volumes going from -31% in June to -28% in July. Observation admissions is the sole metric with declining volumes going from 1% above baseline in June to -13% in July (see Fig.1 below).

Looking at observation admissions it is important to note that although there has been less variation over the past few months and volumes have recovered compared to the height of the pandemic, recent volumes have decline and gone below the median this month as shown in Fig. 2.

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June 2024 Utilization Report

Ottobre 14, 2024/in DCHA nelle notizie/da Jennifer Hirt

Mette in risalto
A decline in volumes was noted across most utilization metrics in June 2024. Acute Care admissions, psychiatric admissions and civil commitment admissions show their lowest volumes in the past 15 months as depicted in Tables 2, 7 and 8 of the full report, respectively. Ambulatory surgeries, observation admissions and emergency department admissions also present a decline in volume this month compared to 2020 baseline as shown in Fig. 1 below.

Although reduced variation in specialty admissions has been seen over the past few months, volumes show a decline this month and remain below the median for the third consecutive month as depicted in Fig. 2 below. The same reduction in variation is observed for psychiatric admissions over the past few months though a significant decline in volume is noted this month as shown in Fig. 3 below. This is the lowest volume observed in the past 15 months. A shift below the median was also observed from 2nd quarter 2022 – 2nd quarter 2023 in Fig. 1. Although some recovery to pre-COVID volumes has been observed over the past several years, both figures show the impact continuing impact of the volume declines following the COVID emergency.