In a March interview with CIDRAP News, Dr. Perlin said health workers should be vaccinated against influenza to prevent contamination. HCA reported around 150,000 vaccinated workers in its 163 hospitals, 112 outpatient clinics and nearly 400 practices.
“Nearly 97% of our healthcare workers have been vaccinated, and the remaining 3 percent are wearing masks, supporting our goal of 100 percent safety,” said Dr. Perlin. “The response from our employees has been overwhelmingly positive; they appreciate knowing they’re protected from being infected by a sick coworker or patients.”
In May, Dr. Perlin’s efforts toward reducing patient infection were rewarded with the National Patient Safety Foundation’s 2010 NPSF Chairman’s Medal, given to individuals who lead change for safer health care. He was also named to the Becker’s Hospital Review list of “30 of the Best Physician Leaders of Hospitals and Health Systems.”
Before joining HCA in 2006, Dr. Perlin served as under-secretary for health in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for seven years. At the VHA, he championed electronic health records and brought substantial recognition to the organization as a pioneer in EHR technology. He also worked as medical director for quality improvement at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals and Virginia Commonwealth University Health System.
Dr. Perlin received his PhD in pharmacology and toxicology with an MD at the Medical Scientist Training Program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia Campus. He has served on boards of the National Quality Forum, the Joint Commission and American Health Information Community.
Read more Becker’s coverage of the HCA.
