Combining Performance Feedback and Evidence-based Educational Resources

Objective: This study is intended to advance patient safety by demonstrating the effectiveness of coupling surveillance report performance feedback with evidence-based educational materials and other communications that help hospitals identify priorities and methods for medical injury prevention. Methods: Medical injury surveillance findings are reported semiannually to hospitals to support their quality improvement efforts. We developed educational manuals for five priority medical injury topics that covered indicator definitions, problem scope, interventions to prevent injuries, and evaluation methods. Bimonthly newsletters provide updates. Evaluation of 123 hospitals in a randomized controlled trial with structured surveys and medical injury surveillance is ongoing. Results: Preliminary results at 29 intervention hospitals suggest our approach resonates with stakeholders, has the general support of participating hospitals, addresses barriers to using information, and builds on existing competencies. Conclusions: While the impact of this medical injury prevention educational strategy requires further evaluation, the results may guide construction of performance reports, educational manuals, and newsletters to maximize the usefulness of patient safety information.