Tim McDonald, MD, JD, a nationally ranked resolution expert, joins Salem Health through a cooperative agreement with the Oregon Patient Safety Commission to perform a gap analysis on Feb. 9.
He most recently served as the chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and medical director of quality and safety at Sidra Medical and Research Center in Doha, Qatar. Tim was chief safety officer for Health Affairs at the University of Illinois Medical Center (Chicago) where he developed a process to respond to patient safety incidents. Called the Seven Pillars, this process resulted in 200 system improvements. His federally funded research focuses on improving quality of care while mitigating medical liability issues, including establishing teaching methods for all levels and professions in health care.
Background leading to more PSA work
Our physician engagement work has led us to reevaluate our PSA process — and to foster a stronger vision for professional growth. The Oregon Patient Safety Commission simultaneously offered an opportunity to learn more about developing an improved communication and resolution system.
I’ve shared my views in Common Ground about owning the PSA process by self-reporting near misses, bad outcomes while also highlighting opportunities to grow as a system. Because I’ve spoken with many of you, I understand why that’s not an easy ask. Dr. McDonald’s tested system involves a component called Care for the Caregiver. Care for the Caregiver means that when an event is reported, we must support the individuals involved from the very beginning, even while we are evaluating for system improvement. Through development of this process, we hope to make the PSA process not only easier but also more valuable and supportive.
Our CFP and MEC members, along with many others including front line staff, directors, ELC, and the Board, will participate in the gap analysis to create a baseline.
We’ll then share that information with medical staff leadership regarding thoughts on moving forward. Medical staff can weigh in through section leaders.
A big thank you to Ellen Hampton, Jenny Williams, Pam Cortez, and Kristy McIntosh for their hard work to explore this opportunity. And to Cheryl Wolfe and Leah Mitchell for recognizing and supporting what an opportunity this could be to support our medical staff through the difficult work we do.