The Department of Defense is on a journey to transform the Military Health System into a high reliability organization, or HRO, to ensure safe, reliable care for all patients and their families. Today, across the MHS, there are a number of actions already in motion to help the MHS advance toward high reliability and ensure that we partner with patients every step of the way to provide the care they deserve.
The Advancement toward High Reliability in Healthcare Awards program aims to recognize those who have shown initiative and commitment to organizing around HRO principles, including developing systems and processes that promote a safer, higher quality system and a culture that encourages learning, sharing, and continuous improvement. Awards will be presented in the following disciplines: Healthcare Quality, Patient Safety, Improved Access, and Patient Engagement.
If you have questions, please contact dha.ncr.j-3.mbx.mhshighreliabilityawards@mail.mil.
Award Disciplines
Healthcare Quality Award
Healthcare Quality initiatives for award consideration must fall into or address one of the below areas; initiatives may be in either primary or specialty care:
- Clinical improvements through the use of leading practices.
- Improvements across the continuum of care and preventable readmissions.
- Surgical quality.
Patient Safety Award
Patient Safety initiatives for award consideration must fall into or address one of the below areas; initiatives may be in either primary or specialty care:
- Enhancing culture of safety.
- Reducing harm.
- Enhancing patient experience and safety through education.
- Promotion of teamwork and awareness.
- Reducing Healthcare Acquired Conditions.
Improved Access Award
Improved Access initiatives for award consideration must fall into or address one of the below areas; initiatives may be in either primary or specialty care:
- Improving entry into the system.
- Optimize access to care for needed services.
- Reduce unnecessary utilization of care.
- Enabling and support patients to find providers who meet individual health care needs.
- Coordinated access.
Patient Engagement Award
Patient Engagement initiatives for award consideration must fall into or address one of the below areas; initiatives may be in either primary or specialty care:
- Improving relationships with patients.
- Expanding care and education beyond the clinic.
- Developing new communication methods for patients and families.
- Better utilization of virtual patient communication tools.
All facilities within the MHS including in-patient, ambulatory health clinics, dental clinics, and operational units are eligible to submit an application focusing on one of the above disciplines. Managed care support contractors, overseas contractor, and designated providers are also encouraged to submit.
Award selections are made through an internal board process using numerous reviewers with expertise in quality improvement and patient safety, education, data analysis, information management, case/care management, patient experience, patient-centered medical homes, information technology, change management, innovation, clinical communities, and health care.