Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms observed Patient-Safety Week March 20-24.

Patient Safety Champions were the focus of the week-long observance, highlighting the departmental points of contact and recognizing their important contributions to overall patient safety.

"Patient-safety champions are my eyes and ears when I'm not readily available," Catherine Winsor, NHTP Patient Safety Manager, said. "They are responsible for patient-safety reports (PSRs), good-catch nominations and patient-safety questions on the deck level."

Winsor explained over the past 12 months, the NHTP Patient Safety Manager and the NHTP Joint Commission Coordinator worked to define patient-safety champion roles and responsibilities.

"We currently have a diverse group of about 40 champions, comprised of enlisted personnel, civilian staff and officers - all assisting with National Patient Safety Goal compliance," said Winsor. "This group represents every clinical and administrative department in our command. Their command-wide deployment has resulted in increased PSR submissions, good catch nominations, enhanced daily huddles and more active engagement with National Patient Safety Goal compliance."

"The fun and educational activities sponsored throughout the week increased motivation, expertise and team cohesion," said Lt. Cmdr. Lacy Gee, NHTP Joint Commission Coordinator. "The team successfully brought this year's theme of, 'United for Patient Safety,' to life. Patient safety champions concentrate on the deck-plate issues that affect their departments and work spaces.

"They are the first set of eyes to see when something is happening and they are the individuals who are most passionate about their specific areas. They are champions because they champion patient safety, making sure our patients get the best care possible," Gee said.

The week of activities included:

Monday: Cake Cutting Ceremony. A champion from each directorate spoke on how patient safety affects their hospital area. Each champion provided an example of support for the Patient Safety Program. The command saw the champions, front and center, sharing how they work collectively to provide the best patient care possible at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms.

Tuesday: Directorate Patient Safety Jeopardy Challenge. Members from the Department for Surgical Services, the Directorate for Administration (DFA) and the Directorate of Nursing Services competed for the Patient Safety Jeopardy trophy. The contestants impressed everyone with their knowledge of patient-safety trivia, Winsor said. The winner this year was Culinary Specialist Second Class Stephen Fuqua, representing the DFA Directorate.

Wednesday: Patient Safety Champion Good Catch Video Competition. Teams of patient-safety champions produced videos that showcased examples of Good Catch events. The intent was to provide education on what a Good Catch is and the subsequent required response. NHTP patient-safety champions disseminated their knowledge and expertise Command-wide.

Thursday: Patient Safety Champion Training Hour. Each patient-safety champion was tasked to hold a training session on a National Patient Safety Goal of their choice. They focused on specific departmental vulnerabilities and emphasized resolutions.

Friday: Patient Safety Amazing Race. Teams from NHTP directorates participated in an Amazing Race. Each team member was provided a unique route with patient-safety pit-stops where they were tested on varied subjects such as: National patient-safety goals, PSRs, good catches, infection control, Directorate of Healthcare Business/case management, dietary scenarios and medication labeling.

Patient Safety is a culture of healthcare delivery that relies on analysis and process improvement to avoid medical errors and enhance patient safety. The patient-safety manager and the Joint Commission Coordinator provide on-site guidance for The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals. An open team environment in a non-punitive culture encourages participation, knowledge-sharing and esprit de corps.

"A big joy of my job is providing our staff with the education, tools/resources for patient-safety success and watching younger enlisted staff members lead the way," Winsor said. "Being a Navy spouse myself, it is rewarding to give back to the enterprise and support the military families we serve."

For more information about Twentynine Palms visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nh29p/

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