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Inside This Issue
ASHRM OPENS DIALOGUE ON COLLECTION AND USE OF DATA
ASHRM on Sept. 7 and 8 convened a unique think tank event in Washington for key health care industry participants to share insights about the collection and use of data for safety.
“Cracking the Code on Patient Safety through Event Data Integration and Collaborations” created a better understanding of the collection of data to improve safety, strengthen relationships in the industry and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Participants included stakeholders representing risk management, government (AHRQ), insurers, brokers, vendors, quality improvement professionals, clinicians, CEOs and consumers.
The attendees identified the need to explore best practices in risk safety, adverse event investigations, analytics of adverse event data that are actionable and taxonomies for adverse event coding.
Specific activities identified at the summit were:
Identifying and promoting best practices in “risk safety.” ASHRM plans to continue to collaborate with insurance companies, brokers and health care delivery systems to identify best practices for driving down serious adverse events. That information can be used to leverage these collaborations to make recommendations to the field.
Developing and promoting best practices in event investigations. ASHRM plans to develop a consortium to define best practices with investigations and develop methods for “certifying” providers who meet the investigation standards. The long-term goal is to improve the quality of adverse event trending and analysis nationally.
Enhancing the ability to translate event data into actionable knowledge. ASHRM plans to convene an informed body to study methods for mining adverse event data to produce meaningful and useful information.
Developing taxonomies for adverse event coding. ASHRM plans to work toward standardized coding for adverse event and loss run analysis.
Initiatives identified during the meeting will be organized into task forces whose activities and efforts will be disseminated through ASHRM programs and publications.
“We need to know what currently exists, and whether existing products, procedures and practices can help us get to our goal of timely access to credible and consistent data to help us drive down our liability costs,” said ASHRM President Peggy Martin. Going forward, the data for safety think tank is expected to help deliver that knowledge.
MEMBER FEEDBACK DRIVES STRATEGIC PLANNING
ASHRM relies on valuable input from its members to inform the planning and execution of its strategic plan. That’s why ASHRM engages a research firm to methodically reach out to members and give them an opportunity to express their opinions on how ASHRM is doing.
This year, the ASHRM membership survey was divided into three unique versions: one for new members (one year or less in ASHRM), one for professional development and one for advocacy. Each focused survey was shorter than the previous year’s general survey. The intention in redesigning the survey was to enhance participation while asking more topical questions. While each member was included in the survey cycle, not every member received the same survey.
Following are highlights of the results, by survey:
New members (less than one year in ASHRM)
* Most new members (66 percent) learned about ASHRM from their colleagues and supervisors.
* Their primary reason (44 percent) for joining was to learn the basics of health care risk management.
* Nine of ten highly valued ASHRM resources, notably the Journal of Healthcare Risk Management.
* Nearly two-thirds would like to serve on a committee or task force, but said they are too busy to participate at this time.
* Most were satisfied with ASHRM’s performance in representing the profession (90 percent) and meeting their professional needs (88 percent).
* They felt less informed about ASHRM’s advocacy agenda (68 percent) and governance structure (63 percent).
* Eighty-five percent of new member respondents expressed satisfaction with ASHRM.
Professional development
* ASHRM was the respondents’ primary source (52 percent) for professional development.
* Particularly high value was placed in the Annual Conference, Patient Safety Curriculum and audio conference programs.
* Face-to-face programs such as the Annual Conference, Modules, Patient Safety Curriculum and CPHRM Preparation Course rated highest (by 88 percent) in meeting professional development needs.
* CE credits (CPHRM renewal, FASHRM, DFASHRM and nursing hours) were highly valued (by 71-84 percent).
* Participation in ASHRM programs was supported by their organizations (paid time away, paid registration fees, paid membership dues, travel costs). Biggest barrier to participation cited was time (for 62 percent)!
* Ninety-one percent of these respondents expressed satisfaction with ASHRM.
Advocacy
* Just over a third were familiar with ASHRM’s 2006 advocacy agenda.
* Most respondents (78 percent) accessed legislative and regulatory information and updates provided by ASHRM.
* Majority (85 percent) strongly believed that ASHRM proactively represents risk management interests and many had expectation that ASHRM is doing this.
* Ninety percent of these respondents expressed satisfaction with ASHRM.
* Respondents were not sure exactly what ASHRM “advocates” or what “advocacy” means here.
* Note: Response rate was less than half of other surveys, making it difficult to identify the impact and importance of the advocacy agenda on members.
General findings
Some views were commonly expressed across all three surveys:
* Members believe ASHRM has very strong name recognition in health care.
* Members are satisfied that ASHRM is meeting their needs.
* ASHRM is the primary source for most risk management networking and education for most.
What’s next?
Survey results are being used by the ASHRM board and staff to drive decisions for the 2007-2009 strategic plan. ASHRM deploys its resources for optimal education, communication and member and chapter offerings based on the strategic plan.
Toward that end, the combined surveys raise the following points:
* To develop the modern health care risk management professional, traditional professional development offerings should be employed.
- There needs to be a focus on leadership development, via educational programs, executive forums and think tanks (such as September’s Data for Safety conference featured in the top story), and traditional advocacy efforts (legislative, regulatory, etc.) with more focus and communication (tracking patient safety organizations, professional credentialing initiatives, etc.).
- There must be a continual focus on membership service (including career development opportunities).
* To ensure the growth and impact of ASHRM through:
- Sound planning and financial performance.
- Governance and leadership development.
- Building on the strength of its name recognition by sharpening the dissemination of its brand to health care stakeholders.
ASHRM’s strategic plan was highlighted Oct. 30 during the Annual Business Meeting in San Diego and will be posted on the ASHRM Web site.
STUDY FINDS HOSPITAL LIABILITY CLAIMS STABILIZING
Insurance claims against doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have stabilized for the first time in years, according to the seventh annual Aon Hospital Professional Liability and Physician Liability Benchmark Analysis. While that is good news for the medical community, the bad news is that the average size of malpractice claims continues to rise.
The study was released Oct. 26 in advance of ASHRM’s Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego. It measured 47,735 claims representing more than $4.4 billion of incurred losses and found that the overall frequency of medical malpractice claims has not increased for the second straight year. While claim frequency is stabilizing, according to the study, the average size (severity) of malpractice claims continues to increase at a rate of six percent. However, the average amount paid to indemnify claimants is increasing at a rate of only three percent, while amounts paid to defend against liability claims are growing at 17 percent as hospitals invest in claims management.
“We believe that the impact of past state level legislative reforms has largely been realized and we do not expect significant decreases in claim frequency or severity resulting from tort reform in the future unless other states pass legislation that withstands challenges,” said Greg Larcher, director and actuary of Aon Risk Consultants and author of the analysis. “Patient safety initiatives being implemented today, however, can be critical for sustaining a favorable frequency trend into the future.”
This year’s study found that a statistically significant relationship exists between mortality and claim frequency in certain segments of the database. For example, after adjusting for patient volume and acuity, Texas hospitals with 200 mortalities in 2004 experienced six indemnity claims while hospitals with 150 mortalities experienced four indemnity claims. This finding gives an interesting perspective on how changes in quality might affect claim counts.
More than 700 health care facilities provided loss and exposure data for the benchmark study. These participants range from small community hospitals to large multi-state publicly traded health care systems. The study also includes breakouts of claim costs and frequency trends by state and facility type, including university, specialty, long term acute care and community.
The 2006 Hospital Professional Liability and Physician Liability Benchmark Analysis is co-sponsored by ASHRM, which entitles ASHRM members to a reduced price. Click here to preview the table of contents and purchase a copy, or order at (800) 242-2626 and request item #178701.
BIGGER HANDBOOK OFFERED AT INTRODUCTORY PRICE
The new edition of the Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations is available for purchase at a special introductory price.
The updated 5th edition presents the most authoritative enterprise-wide techniques and practices of today’s health care risk management professionals, all expanded into a user-friendly, three-volume format to meet growing needs.
Volume 1: “The Essentials” covers basic concepts such as Development of a Risk Management Program, Risk Management Metrics, credentialing, documentation, emergency management and more.
Volume 2: “Clinical Risk” focuses on patient care issues such as Patient Safety Challenges and Opportunities, informed consent, ED and ICU risk management, long-term care and more
Volume 3: “Business Risk” looks at legal, regulatory and technical issues such as risk mapping, enterprise risk, emerging liabilities, claims and litigation management, telemedicine, corporate compliance and more.
The 2,000+ page set includes a bonus CD-ROM with exhibits, figures, tables and appendices.
The collected expertise of 82 risk management professionals and four editors makes the 5th edition one of the most comprehensive health care resources available today – and for some time to come.
Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations (5th ed.) is on sale for $299 through January 31, 2007. Thereafter, it’s $350 for ASHRM/AHA members, $375 for non-members.
To preview the tables of content and to order online, click here or order by phone at (800) 242-2626 and request item #178162.
CHAPTER HANDBOOK GOES ONLINE
The new ASHRM Chapter Handbook is now available as a Web page for chapter leaders.
Accessible at www.ashrm.org/ashrm/chapters/handbook, the handbook features sections on governance, membership, education, planning and ASHRM support. It addresses finances, program planning, elections, member recruitment and retention, leadership succession and other chapter issues.
The handbook also includes sample documents to download and modify as needed, including program brochures, budgets, meeting agendas, position descriptions and more.
Here are a few of the questions answered by the new ASHRM Chapter Handbook:
* How can our chapter identify and develop future leaders?
* What are the best practices for handling chapter finances?
* How do we get CE credits for our chapter programs?
* What materials should our chapter archive?
* How does our chapter manage sponsorship for educational programs?
* What should our chapter consider when negotiating a hotel contract?
* How do we plan a CPHRM Exam Prep Course?
The handbook will be updated throughout the year with new information, tips, additional sample documents and resources.
The ASHRM Chapter Handbook was developed by the 2006 ASHRM Chapter Relations Task Force, which is made up of experienced chapter volunteers from across the country.
For details, contact ASHRM at (312) 422-3980 or ashrm@aha.org.
NEW CPHRMs
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management designation provides a credential that verifies a broad-based knowledge of risk management. Certification elevates professionals in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Congratulations to recent CPHRM achievers:
Lynne Anderson, Buford, GA
Larry Emmett Barbe, Metairie, LA
Pauline Marie Barry, Shelton, CT
Diane A. Bohannan, San Angelo, TX
Judy C. Chamberlain, Birmingham, AL
Geraldine F. Cook, Metairie, LA
Nick James Daskalas, Salt Lake City
Mary Kathryn De Los Reyes, Long Beach, CA
Ryan Randal Domengeaux, Lafayette, LA
Janice Fairchild, Pensacola, FL
Kenneth Felton, Meriden, CT
Judith H. Fine, Austin, TX
Doris Fischer-Sanchez, Chicago
Thomas E. Forbes, Chicago
Janel B. Galbraith, Boise, ID
Lisa B. Hanrahan, Mount Kisco, NY
Catherine Hawke, Westminster, MA
Delynn Marie Keeton, Atlanta
Arlene Marion Kraft, Toronto, Canada
Kathleen Sue Longhenry, Cardington, OH
Ann E. Lundy, Meridian, MS
Teresa K. McMillan, Bainbridge, GA
Laurie Talbot Meckley, Felton, PA
Pamela Kay Meyer, Cleveland, OH
Tammy J. Napier, Olney, IL
Sidney D. Nau, Corpus Christi, TX
Janet Kennine Preller, Monmouth, OR
Christy L. Reed, Carbondale, IL
Bonnie Schreiber, Traverse City, MI
Judy Darlene Scott, Walnut Creek, CA
Gayle Seifullin, Kaneohe, HI
Rita D. Simmons, Louisville, KY
Lucille R. Smith, Branson, MO
Mary Kathryne Steffany, New York
Wendy G. Stephenson, Columbia, SC
Deborah Katherine Stewart, Peru, NY
Hannah Christine Stokes, Fort Oglethorpe, GA
Lynn Jennings Taylor, Manhasset, NY
Cynthia Sue Thomas, Malvern, PA
Melissa Ann Updike, Louisville, KY
Kimberly T. Urbain, Germantown, WI
Gail B. Ward, Dowagiac, MI
John Clark West, Signal Mountain, TN
Mary L. White, Brookline, MA
Jeffrey D. Wiles, Cleveland, OH
The CPHRM designation is awarded based on participants meeting eligibility requirements and passing an examination.
For details about the designation, download the updated CPHRM Candidate Handbook from the AHA Certification Center via www.aha.org/certification or call (312) 422-3715.
Risk manager is AHA’s 3,000th certificant
The AHA Certification Center on Sept.15 granted certification to its 3,000th certificant. Deborah Katherine Stewart, risk manager and patient representative at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, NY, passed the CPHRM Examination, becoming the 1,132nd CPHRM and the 3,000th AHA certificant.
ASHRM UPDATE
Audio conference discusses handling of fraud and abuse
The consequences of failures in quality, patient safety and risk management processes can be catastrophic for patients, caregivers and hospitals. Enforcement agencies aggressively pursue quality of care issues and are turning such issues into allegations of false claims.
ASHRM’s latest audio conference, “The Risk Management of Health Care Fraud and Abuse,” highlights the quality, patient safety and risk management issues that could give rise to allegations including ineffective peer review, provision of substandard or worthless services, implied certification, abuse and neglect, false records, inaccurate reporting, intentional misconduct and others. The audio conference faculty, including a hospital system compliance director and a health law attorney, explore the investigative process of the Department of Justice with an Associate United States Attorney.
A CD including an audio recording and copies of the program handouts is available for purchase after the Nov. 14 program. Click here or call (800) 775-7654.
Opportunities to share expertise and learn from others
Each fall, ASHRM reaches out to its members and seeks volunteers to participate in various ASHRM-sponsored committees and task forces in the next calendar year. As a volunteer-based organization, ASHRM greatly appreciates that its members contribute their time and expertise to develop the entire health care risk management profession. ASHRM is now seeking subject matter experts who are willing to contribute their expertise in a variety of professional development and advocacy areas for 2007. Access the Call for Participation Form or request a form at (312) 422-3980 or ashrm@aha.org.
Pearls booklet provides guidance on disclosure
The disclosure of adverse events, or unanticipated outcomes, is an evolving process in health care. Difficult issues center on when, how and what to say during disclosure. ASHRM shares its expertise on this important topic with the release this week of Risk Management Pearls on Disclosure of Adverse Events. The 44-page, easily shared pocket-sized booklet describes organizational scenarios and strategies for implementing and enhancing the practice of disclosure. Jim Conway of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement contributed the foreword. Pearls are sold in packages of five -- members: $45, non-members: $55. Click here to preview the table of contents and order online, or order at (800) 242-2626 and request item #178571.
Learners set their own pace with online risk financing program
Learners can work at their own pace with ASHRM’s online education program, “Risk Financing for Risk Managers.” The program’s first course, “Fundamentals of Health Care Risk Financing,” addresses basic elements of risk financing. It explains how risk financing fits into the risk management process in an easy-to-navigate online environment with pre- and post-tests, examples of real-world risk financing situations, definition of terms, sample documents and more. The fee is $99. For program details, visit www.carelearning.com. Click on “Courses,” then select the Risk Management category. Payments must be made by credit card to CareLearning, not to ASHRM. Call ASHRM with questions at (312) 422-3980. This program is qualified for 1.2 contact hours of continuing education credit toward ASHRM designations of FASHRM (Fellow) and DFASHRM (Distinguished Fellow) and CPHRM renewal (Type Code: 3; Content Code: 3).
Interest Networks provide specialized information
ASHRM’s Patient Safety Interest Network and Risk Financing & Claims Administration Interest Network deliver timely content and resources tailored according to risk managers’ primary needs, whether they are focused on patient safety efforts or on traditional risk management issues of risk financing and claims administration. ASHRM members may choose to supplement their regular ASHRM membership with either or both of the ASHRM Interest Networks for an annual membership fee of $25 for each Interest Network. Join by using the ASHRM membership form and selecting the Interest Network options near the bottom. For details, click here, e-mail ashrm@aha.org or call (312) 422-3980.
IN MEMORIAM
Robert E. (Bob) Gallagher, 83, chairman of the board of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., died Aug. 30 following a brief illness. Mr. Gallagher joined his father’s insurance agency in 1947. In 1963, he was named president and chief executive officer of the firm, which had 19 employees. Under his leadership and that of his chosen successor, nephew Patrick Gallagher, the company has grown to the world’s fourth largest insurance broker with 8,100 employees worldwide.
Members may forward recent death notices to ashrm@aha.org. Notices should include the member’s complete name, as well as place and date of death, along with any personal anecdotes or comments on achievements for possible inclusion.
Through a memorial gift to the ASHRM Foundation, individuals or corporations can support our mission while paying tribute to an individual or loved one. Contributions in support of The ASHRM Foundation are tax deductible within the limitations of the Internal Revenue Code. For details, contact Diane Farina White at (312) 422-3981 or e-mail ashrmfoundation@aha.org.
