How PeopleConnect Initiative Is Improving Patient Outcomes at Atrium Health

How PeopleConnect Initiative Is Improving Patient Outcomes at Atrium Health

Patient outcomes have steadily improved at Atrium Health, thanks to the PeopleConnect Initiative. This initiative aims to foster a culture of connection and communication within healthcare teams, enabling them to deliver better patient care. By breaking down silos and promoting collaboration, the initiative helps teams work together seamlessly. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the PeopleConnect Initiative is transforming patient care at Atrium Health.

Background

Atrium Health is a healthcare organization that provides services to patients across North and South Carolina. With over 70,000 employees and 40 hospitals, Atrium Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in the region. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality care to its patients and continuously improving patient outcomes.

The PeopleConnect Initiative

The PeopleConnect Initiative is a program designed to foster collaboration and communication among healthcare teams at Atrium Health. The initiative uses a variety of tools and techniques to empower teams to work better together, including huddles, rounding, and debriefs. These tools enable healthcare teams to connect with each other and share critical information about patient care, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Huddles

One of the key tools of the PeopleConnect Initiative is huddles. These are brief, daily meetings where healthcare team members come together to discuss patient care. Huddles provide an opportunity for teams to identify any issues or concerns they have regarding patient care and to create action plans to address these issues. By addressing issues proactively, teams can prevent small problems from turning into larger ones, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Rounding

Another tool used by the PeopleConnect Initiative is rounding. This involves healthcare team members visiting patients regularly to ensure that they are receiving the best possible care. During rounding, team members can ask patients about their needs and address any concerns they may have. By checking in on patients regularly, teams can identify and address potential problems before they escalate.

Debriefs

Debriefs are another key component of the PeopleConnect Initiative. After a critical event or patient care situation, healthcare teams come together to discuss what happened, what went well, and what could be improved. These debriefs help teams learn from their experiences and identify areas for improvement. This leads to continuous improvement in patient care and better patient outcomes.

Results

The results of the PeopleConnect Initiative have been impressive. Healthcare teams at Atrium Health have reported significant improvements in communication, collaboration, and patient care. Patient outcomes have also improved, with reductions in hospital readmissions and lengths of stay. The initiative has also improved employee satisfaction and engagement, as healthcare team members feel more connected to each other and the organization as a whole.

Conclusion

The PeopleConnect Initiative is transforming patient care at Atrium Health by fostering a culture of collaboration and communication. By enabling healthcare teams to work better together, the initiative is improving patient outcomes and employee engagement. Huddles, rounding, and debriefs are just a few of the tools used by the initiative, demonstrating that small changes can make a big difference in patient care.