The Department of Defense (DoD) is on a journey to transform the Military Health System (MHS) into a high reliability organization (HRO) to ensure safe, reliable care for all patients and their families. Today, across the MHS, there are a number of actions already in motion to help the MHS advance toward high reliability and ensure that we partner with patients every step of the way.
The Advancement toward High Reliability in Healthcare Awards Program recognizes those who have shown initiative and commitment to the development of systems and processes that will lead the MHS toward a better, safer, nationally recognized health care system that all MHS leaders and staff strive for each and every day and one that all patients deserve. Awards will identify efforts that progress the MHS on its journey of continuous improvement, in the areas of Patient Engagement, Healthcare Quality and Safety, and Improved Access.
Award Categories
Patient Engagement Award
Patient Engagement initiatives for award consideration must fall into or address one of the below areas:
- Improving Relationships with Patients
- Expanding Care and Education Beyond the Clinic
- Developing New Communication Methods for Patients and Families
- Better Utilization of Virtual Patient Communication Tools
Healthcare Quality and Safety Award
Healthcare Quality and Safety initiatives for award consideration must fall into or address one of the below areas:
- Enhancing Culture of Safety
- Reducing Harm and Healthcare Acquired Conditions
- Clinical Improvements through the use of Evidence Based Practices
- Improvements Across the Continuum of Care and Preventable Readmissions
- Surgical Quality
Improved Access Award
Improved Access initiatives for award consideration must fall into or address one of the below areas; initiatives may be in either primary or specialty care:
- Improving entry into the system
- Optimize access to care for needed services
- Reduce unnecessary utilization of care
- Enabling and support patients to find providers who meet individual healthcare needs
- Coordinated access
All military treatment facilities (MTFs) within the MHS including In-Patient, Ambulatory Health Clinics, Dental Clinics, and Aeromedical Evacuation Units are eligible to submit an application focusing on one of the above categories. Managed Care Support Contractors, Overseas Contractor, and Designated Providers are also encouraged to submit.
Award selections are made through an internal board process using numerous reviewers with expertise in quality improvement and patient safety, education, data analysis, information management, case/care management, patient experience, patient-centered medical homes, IT, change management, innovation, and healthcare expertise.
Application Guidance
Applications for the 2016 DoD Advancement toward High Reliability in Healthcare Awards Program were due on 23 September. Winners will be announced through their respective Service Leads and posted here in early November. Questions about the process can be addressed through the Awards Program POC via Email.