Northside Hospital has earned a Vizient Southern States Brilliance Award for its project, “Leveraging Multidisciplinary Committees to Enhance Processes through Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI) Case Reviews and Analysis.” The award recognizes Northside’s commitment to advancing patient safety and care delivery excellence.
The initiative addressed one of health care’s persistent challenges — hospital-acquired pressure injuries — by introducing an innovative approach called HAPI Swarming. This process brings together nursing, therapy, clinical nutrition and pharmacy teams to rapidly review cases, share insights and strengthen prevention practices in real time. As a result, Northside achieved a 50% reduction in HAPI rates and device-related injuries, improved early recognition and fostered a stronger culture of shared accountability for patient safety.
The project was presented by Ashley Brunelle, BSN, R.N., MEDSURG-BC, system coordinator of patient safety, Northside Hospital, at the Vizient Connections Summit in Las Vegas, where she shared her team’s improvements and engaged with peers from across the country.
“This award reflects the power of collaboration and innovation at Northside,” said Ellen Evans, director of accreditation and patient safety. “Our teams worked together to tackle a complex challenge and deliver measurable improvements that protect patients and strengthen our culture of safety.”
“Each year, Vizient Southern States recognizes member hospitals for improvements that demonstrate a commitment to quality patient care, patient safety and performance excellence,” said Bill Senneff, president and CEO of Vizient Southern States.
Vizient Southern States is a membership alliance for not-for-profit health care providers that provides solutions and services to improve the delivery of high-value care by aligning cost, quality and market performance for its members.
Learn more about Northside’s commitment to quality and patient safety.
Pictured, from left: Terry Johnson, senior vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, Vizient Southern States; Bill Senneff, president and CEO, Vizient Southern States; Ashley Brunelle, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, system coordinator of patient safety, Northside Hospital; and Sharon Ellis, vice president of performance improvement and clinical services, Vizient Southern States.
