HHS announces $500 million more for patient safety efforts

{mosads}The first round of funding aimed to help community-based organizations partner with hospitals to help patients after discharge. The new round will go to entities that can help hospitals redesign the way they care for patients.

So-called “Hospital Engagement Contractors” will be asked to:

• Design programs to teach and support hospital staff in making care safer;

• Train hospital employees and care providers;

• Provide technical assistance for hospitals and care providers; and

• Create and put in place a system to track and monitor hospital progress in meeting quality improvement goals.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will also work with other contractors to improve care, including by seeking input from patients and families.