Quality Improvement:
Adopting Best Practices for Exceptional Outcomes
University of Utah Health has led the way as health care systems nationwide pursue process and policy improvements. For the past 12 years, U of U Health has placed among the Top 10 nationally in the Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking system. At the Moran Eye Center, this commitment extends to a broad range of measures to provide the best possible procedural outcomes. Rigorous Data Monitoring
Moran employs an extensive data monitoring system and communicates well-established expectations to ensure the highest quality of care in clinics and operating rooms. To objectively and prospectively collect information on surgical complications, Moran digitally records every surgery and uses an “every-case-every-time” philosophy for reporting. Every surgeon is expected to attest that there was or was not a complication for every case. This assures surgical complications are reported in all instances. Moran reviews and verifies the reports, comparing them with independent data points, such as equipment or supplies used in surgical cases with complications. For example, every case of endophthalmitis is reviewed by Moran’s QI group and division representatives, U of U Health Infection Prevention Department, and others in the hospital system. A weekly review of intraocular antibiotic injections assures monitors can discover any potential worrisome trends. Infection Prevention Moran adheres to top-rate infection prevention standards set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses. These organizations are vital in helping Moran maintain current evidencebased best practices. They also provide critical resources for continuing education and certification for ophthalmic medical employees that go beyond state requirements.
