Baptist Health Care Recognized as Leading Innovator for Rapid Development of Response to COVID-19

12/10/2020

Baptist Health Care has been named a 2020 Leading Innovator by Press Ganey. The company’s Leading Innovators Program honors clients for rapid development and implementation of innovative approaches to addressing challenges facing the health care industry, including those brought about by the relentless spread of COVID-19. Many of the innovations developed in direct response to the pandemic have emerged as invaluable practices that will continue to transform the safety, quality and experience of care long after the crisis has passed.

In March, Baptist launched virtual safety huddles conducted with team members via Zoom. Safety huddles are daily leadership discussion platforms to discuss all that may impact patient care. During the huddles the group reviews and addresses current needs to ensure the highest level of patient care and team member support. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, huddles were held in person. The transition from on-site safety huddles to virtual huddles was very well received, and attendees even commented that the new style of safety huddles should continue beyond COVID-19. 

“This was one of many safety innovations that arose out of the pressures of the pandemic, resulting in the discovery of new and better ways to approach safety science,” said Susan Keating, DNP, CPHRM, CPPS, executive director of clinical safety and excellence at Baptist. “I’m so proud of our resilient Baptist leaders and team members who continue to put our patients’ safety first.”

The Leading Innovators Program was created to celebrate the spirit of innovation in the face of adversity and showcase unique success stories that positively transform the delivery of care. The honor represents an important recognition from the industry leader in measuring, understanding and improving the delivery of patient-centered care.

 “The caregivers and staff of Baptist Health Care touch the lives of patients and their families in profound ways,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and chief executive officer, Press Ganey. “This recognition reflects their deep commitment to our shared mission to reduce suffering and improve the safety, quality and experience of care. I continue to be humbled and inspired by their heroic efforts to care for patients and their caregivers in the face of the uncertainty, stress and fear brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Ganey is proud to partner with them in this noble work, and we congratulate them on this tremendous achievement.”