Hospital Quality Foundation

Mission

The Hospital Quality Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare by supporting the development and/or delivery of information and education related to medical practice and its impact on hospital quality.

Background

With over 39 million discharges annually driving over $400 billion in costs, hospitalizations account for a major portion of total health care expenditures. In Medicare, inpatient care accounts for more than 35 percent of spending, and readmissions contribute billion of dollars to that cost.

There has been an explosion of interest in health care quality and cost-effectiveness, fueled by numerous trends and concerns. In response to research and information highlighting quality, improving quality of care has become a national objective for health systems. Hospitals are increasingly expected to introduce quality systems and strategies. Research is driving a growing body of evidence, and a diverse range of strategies and tools is being developed and implemented.

As part of the quality process, it is necessary to identify alternatives and evaluate effects of these strategies and tools based on specific criteria, including ease and cost of implementation, impact on health personnel, patient outcomes, and cost savings, using evidence and real world experience.

Many of the current initiatives typically involve the agreement of one or two key stakeholders but stop short of engaging the full spectrum of public and professional interests needed to leverage widespread systemic change. This highlights the need for effective communication strategies that can successfully reach a broader audience.

Goal

The goal of the Hospital Quality Foundation is to provide health professionals and other key stakeholders with the most current education and information on hospital-based medical practice and its effect on quality of care.

With the assistance of its supporters, the HQF:

• Documents and evaluates the wide variety of health care quality activities, technologies, and tools currently underway nationally and internationally;
• Acts as a focal point for a cross section of stakeholders, establishing a repository of information on the latest developments and their implications for hospital quality;
• Provides a communication and research vehicle for those interested in hospital quality in support of a more integrated vision and strategy to advance health care quality improvement.
• Analyzes key findings in order to identify additional research needs and ideas for demonstration projects.

The HQF leverages multiple communication channels to disseminate information about hospital related health care quality strategies. HQF educational programs are designed so physicians, and health care providers have information about the latest medical developments and their implications for patient management. The HQF also identifies and provides financial support for research and quality improvement initiatives that promote the goals of the HQF.

The HQF is founded on the premise that a wide cross section of stakeholders will need to be actively engaged in the hospital quality improvement process. In conjunction with its sponsors, emphasis will be placed on educating and engaging physicians and other key stakeholders in advancing a coordinated strategy for hospital quality improvement.

Leadership

The HQF is directed by a board of highly qualified individuals with experience and expertise in health care quality and hospital medicine. Educational and research grants are the primary source of funding for the HQF, with additional support generated through the educational activities of the HQF.