Riverside is constantly working to insure the safety of our patients and improve the quality of care we deliver. It's why we participate in national performance measurement studies and adopt best practices and quality and safety goals established by independent, nationally recognized experts such as the Joint Commission and The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service. It's also why we participate in national patient satisfaction studies and conduct our own patient surveys.

Based on what we learn from independent research and from our patients, we establish ongoing quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives to expand what we're doing well, and address areas where we can do better.

Here are just some of the many quality, safety and patient satisfaction initiatives currently underway at Riverside:

Quality and Safety Initiatives

Clinical Best Practices: All Physicians, All The Time
As national benchmarking organizations increasingly make clinical studies and best practice information available to participating hospitals and physicians, we are using this data to formally introduce, implement and standardize "best practices" across our health system. In 2011, we expect Riverside performance measurement results to be among the nation's best.

Older Adult Triage and Risk Assessment Program
The number one reason adults age 65+ come to the emergency room is as the result of a fall. A significant number will return due to a second fall.

Riverside Emergency & Trauma Center is implementing a "Triage Risk Screening Tool" (TRST) to be administered by a registered nurse to all patients age 65 and older. The TRST questionnaire will help determine whether a patient is at risk for falling and also assess other potentially harmful situations such as dangerous prescription medication interactions. For patients determined to be at risk, Riverside will refer the patient to a primary care physician and take appropriate steps to see that an in home visit by a social worker or home health nurse is conducted.

Electronic Medical Records and My Health eLink
Congress recently mandated the use of electronic medical records for healthcare facilities and clinicians by the year 2014. Electronic medical records enhance patient safety and care. Doctors have quick access to your health history in an emergency and physicians can access diagnostic results quickly, making clinical consultations fast and efficient. Riverside has been a nationally recognized leader in using electronic records for more than a decade.

In 2011, we're expanding patient and physician use of electronic medical records through Health eLink, an online access channel that provides patients the ability to request prescription refills, appointments, immunization records, lab results and more from Riverside physicians.

Patient Satisfaction Initiatives

Riverside Regional Medical Center Renovation and Expansion
Riverside Regional Medical Center is in the midst of a five-year major redesign that will allow us to better meet the future medical needs of our community.

Our new 37,000 sq. ft. emergency and trauma center features 42 private treatment areas, digital imaging equipment and a large staff that is helpful and compassionate.

Renovations are occurring throughout the existing medical center featuring newly renovated private rooms.

A new Central Tower will add approximately 320,622 square feet of space above the Emergency/Trauma Center and will feature a new operating suite, day surgery unit, critical care unit, a new mother/baby unit, additional private rooms and easier access to outpatient services.

The Riverside Care Difference
At Riverside, our employees are committed to delivering an exceptional care experience. We strive to communicate effectively and compassionately, treat you with respect and earn the right to be your healthcare system of choice and the one you'd recommend to others.

A mandatory, system wide patient satisfaction program continues to be unveiled and reinforced. Extensive employee training in how to deliver "over the top" respectful, competent and timely care is being conducted for all employees. Our goal in 2011 is to "care out LOUDER" earning some of the best patient satisfaction ratings in the nation.

 

This mandatory, system wide patient satisfaction program continues to be unveiled and reinforced. Extensive employee training in how to deliver "over the top" respectful, competent and timely care and is being conducted for all employees including senior management. Our goal in 2011 is to "Care Out LOUDER" earning some of the best patient satisfaction ratings in the nation.