Submitted by
Kate Stephens
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center was recently awarded the Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network’s Quality Improvement Award. The award was announced during the general session at the MHA Annual Convention held in Billings on Sept. 20.
The Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network (PIN) is a voluntary membership of 48 critical access hospitals throughout the state. Through this Network, member hospitals are able to benchmark their performance with their peers on a variety of financial, utilization, and direct patient care measures that encourage safe, effective, patient-centered care delivery in even the most remote communities of the state. PIN quality of care measures are based on national benchmarks, but are tailored to reflect the realities of the state’s rural populations.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center has demonstrated a commitment to its community and the region it serves through its involvement with the Mont. Rural Healthcare PIN. Throughout the last year, PIN members focused on core improvement areas including: patient satisfaction and engagement, transitions of care from the emergency room, emergency room stay times, assessment and provisions of influenza immunizations for inpatients, and influenza immunizations for healthcare workers. Award winners are required to demonstrate measurable improvement in one of the above quality of care focus areas over the previous year and show consistent participation in the PIN’s data programs. Applicants are also required to demonstrate an active and leading role in supporting PIN quality improvement efforts by participating in PIN events and sharing with peers throughout the state.
“The Montana Performance Improvement Network has recognized several Critical Access Hospitals for their commitment to quality. We are once again grateful to be counted as one of those facilities and work alongside one another to improve healthcare throughout rural Montana,” stated Laura Larson-Crismore, Quality Manager at CPMC.
The mission of the Mont. Rural Healthcare PIN is to develop and provide collaborative support systems which will enable small rural hospitals to have the ability to deliver quality care and achieve customer satisfaction. PIN activities are supported by the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (FLEX) Program, which provides funding to spur quality and performance improvement activities, stabilize rural hospital finance, and integrate emergency medical services (EMS) into existing healthcare systems. The program encourages the development of cooperative systems of care in rural areas to increase efficiencies.
Larson-Crismore concluded, “We have a very dedicated team at CPMC and are blessed to have their continued support to achieve this honor.”
Laura Larson-Crismore (left), CPMC Quality Manager, and Stacey Wood (right), RN, CPMC Employee Health, Infection Control, and Staff Education Nurse pose with this year’s PIN Award. Photo courtesy of Kate Stephens.