MSC's Quality Initiative Programs to support best practice-based training for healthcare professionals

Hospital outcomes and errors are increasingly being tracked and publicly reported for patients, providers and payers to use as they determine which hospitals to affiliate with. The Twelfth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study (October 13, 2009) found that 56 percent of potentially preventable deaths were associated with just four diagnoses: Sepsis, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure. Medical Simulation Corporation (MSC) is proud to be the first simulation training provider to offer programs targeted to Sepsis, Heart Failure and Pneumonia.

MSC's Sepsis Program has demonstrated the capability to increase tested knowledge in early identification and treatment of sepsis among trainees by over 46 percent. The program has been delivered to healthcare providers representing a range of institutions, from community hospitals to large academic teaching hospitals, demonstrating wide applicability among healthcare professionals with varied clinical backgrounds and previous training.

MSC's Heart Failure and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Quality Initiative (QI) Programs are also designed to help healthcare providers bridge the gap between clinical practice and quality outcome measurements. The Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Program is also now available and the Heart Failure Program will be introduced in 2010.

The 2009 HealthGrades Study evaluated the relationship between The Joint Commission's comprehensive stroke certification program and HealthGrades' mortality ratings for stroke care. The study found that hospitals certified as Centers of Excellence in Stroke Care by The Joint Commission had better outcomes (eight percent lower risk-adjusted mortality) compared with hospitals that were not stroke certified. MSC will launch a Stroke Quality Initiative Program in early 2010 conforming to The Joint Commission standards for Stroke Centers in the Urgent Care Assessment measure set. Visit www.healthgrades.com for the complete HealthGrades study.

"MSC's Quality Initiative Programs include didactic and simulation-based components to support the continuity of best practice-based training for healthcare professionals - within a single hospital or across a complex healthcare system," says Bill Younkes, MSC CEO. "Simulation provides a risk-free environment in which healthcare practitioners can hone their skills in managing patients with diagnoses associated with high mortality."

MSC's Quality Initiative Curriculum also includes Central Line Management and Moderate Sedation. Other programs coming soon include Door-to-Balloon Time and DVT. For more information, visit MSC online at www.medsimulation.com.