Temple University Hospital’s COVID-19 team has been honored as a recipient of the “Conquering COVID” 2021 I AM Patient Safety Award from Pennsylvania’s Patient Safety Authority. It is one of 11 healthcare facilities from across the Commonwealth being recognized for their advancements, outcomes, and commitment to patient safety – and the only one in the COVID category.
While admitting more COVID-19 patients than any other regional hospital in the early days of the pandemic, Temple University Hospital took charge of the situation:
- Collaborating to develop a comprehensive response to COVID-19
- Educate the public and healthcare providers throughout the region
- Lead and participate in clinical trials and conduct research to understand and control the virus
- Engage in volunteer services, donate resources like PPE, and fundraise
- And much, much more
“We are honored with this award, which affirms our team’s exemplary work,” said Michael A. Young, MHA, FACHE, President and CEO of Temple University Health System and Temple University Hospital. “Temple University Hospital, and the Health System as a whole, has been a national leader in its effective response to COVID-19. A primary reason is the Temple team members whose commitment and dedication has not wavered since the outset of the pandemic.”
The I AM Patient Safety awards are judged by a cross-section of national and regional healthcare executives, patient safety advocates, and government, university, and patient representatives. The award criteria include innovation, impact, sustainability, scalability and “extraordinary actions.” Inclusion of the patient in the initiative is also considered.
Since its inception in 2013, the I AM Patient Safety awards have honored hundreds of programs and individuals taking action to positively impact patient safety. This year’s award categories include Ambulatory Surgery Facility, Focus On the Patient, Improving Diagnosis, Individual Impact, Long-Term Care Facility, Safety Story, and Transparency and Safety in Healthcare. Three new categories were added for 2021: Conquering COVID, Physician Offices, and Nationwide Warriors. An Executive Director’s Choice award was also selected.
“We often focus on the problems in healthcare: the errors, the system breakdowns, and the harm caused to patients,” said Patient Safety Authority executive director, Regina Hoffman. “This is a chance for us to celebrate the things that go right each day in healthcare to make our patients safer and to honor the individuals and staffs who not only care, but also are taking action to improve outcomes.”