Evidence-based best practices at Mater Health Services: a roadmap for integrated case management.
OBJECTIVE
This column traces the journey of Mater Health Services to improve the safety, quality, and consistency of its patient care by integrating evidence-based, best medical practices. Through a multidisciplinary approach of development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of care pathways, Mater Health Services shifted its focus from expected lengths of stay to the recovery milestones of individual patients.


METHODS
Mater Health Services Brisbane Ltd., Australia, which comprises seven private and public hospitals and a research institute.


CONCLUSIONS
By instituting its vision to be an evidence-based, best practice organization, putting the patient first, Mater Health Services has created a multidisciplinary team approach to care. It has significantly improved risk management, reduced lengths of stays and healthcare costs, and increased patient and staff satisfaction.
Latta
Giselle
G
Clinical Safety and Quality Unit, Mater Misericordiae Health Services Brisbane Limited, Brisbane, Australia. giselle.latta@mater.org.au
D019090:Case Management; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States