The awards, established in 2002, “recognize major achievements by individuals and organizations to improve patient safety and healthcare quality.” Awards are presented in three categories: individual achievement, national level innovation in patient safety and quality, and local level innovation in patient safety and quality.
The recipients were:
- The VHA was recognized at the national level for its rapid naloxone initiative, which reduced opioid overdose deaths by increasing the rapid availability of naloxone.
- Northwestern Medicine was the recipient of the local award for its development of an academy for quality and safety improvement, a seven-month program that prepares individuals from multiple departments and professions to lead quality improvement.
- David Gaba, MD, received the individual achievement award for his contributions to patient safety research, innovation and dissemination. Dr. Gaba is a staff anesthesiologist and director of the patient simulation center of innovation at VA Palo Alto (Calif.) Health Care System, and associate dean for immersive and simulation-based learning at Stanford (Calif.) University School of Medicine.
The recipients will be recognized July 20 during the NQF’s Annual Conference.