Sometimes it seems like putting strategic plans into place is more about the process than the results, so it is gratifying to witness an organization realize a big payoff for their careful efforts combined with true quality management. Case in point?

The Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) began the “No Harm” campaign in the Southeast Michigan in 2008. The system’s leadership set a quantitative goal to reduce events of harm to patients by 50%. The campaign carefully outlined a strategy to make quality and patient safety a priority: a “zero-defect, no-excuses” focus that intended to keep all stakeholders in the process actively committed to the goals. The results were significant; between 2008-2011, 

·         Patient harm events were cut by 31 percent

·         Medication-related events were cut by 11 percent

·         curbing preventable infections were cut by 45 percent

·         reducing surgical complications cut length of stay by 1.9 days

And those positive figures have resulted in savings that are substantial. It was reported that Henry Ford’s five hospitals realized a cost savings of $10 million over the four years.

HFHS has extended the program to 2013. Their effort to make small, focused changes within a strategic plan has definitely had an impact, both in providing quality health care and on the bottom line. And it has been recognized; on April 15, HFHS received the official Baldrige Award for performance excellence. Well done!