A web-based tool for the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP)

Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2006 Mar;32(3):119-29. doi: 10.1016/s1553-7250(06)32017-x.

Abstract

Background: An organization's ability to change is driven by its culture, which in turn has a significant impact on safety. The six-step Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program (CUSP) is intended to improve local culture and safety. A Web-based project management tool for CUSP was developed and then pilot tested at two hospitals. HOW ECUSP WORKS: Once a patient safety concern is identified (step 3), a unit-level interdisciplinary safety committee determines issue criticality and starts up the projects (step 4), which are managed using project management tools within eCUSP (step 5). On a project's completion, the results are disseminated through a shared story (step 6).

Case studies: OSF St. Joseph's Medical Center-The Medical Birthing Center (Bloomington, Illinois), identified 11 safety issues, implemented 11 projects, and created 9 shared stories--including one for its Armband Project. The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore) Medical Progressive Care (MPC4) Unit identified 5 safety issues and implemented 4 ongoing projects, including the intravenous (IV) Tubing Compliance Project.

Discussion: The eCUSP tool's success depends on an organizational commitment to creating a culture of safety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Facilities
  • Internet*
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Organizational Culture
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Program Development
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Safety Management / organization & administration*
  • United States