Challenge
In January 2010, The Joint Commission released a set of standards aimed at advancing effective communication, cultural competence, and patient- and family-centered care practices in hospitals. The standards were recently published in the 2011 Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals: The Official Handbook.
Spurred by a deep commitment to meet the health care needs of an increasingly diverse Veteran population, and in anticipation of its upcoming requirement to comply with the Joint Commission’s standards, the Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) sought a solution to inform health care providers about advancing cultural competence.
Solution
The Medical Center engaged Atlas Research to develop a Cultural Competence Grand Rounds Series to increase awareness and educate the hospital community. Atlas coordinated planning, content development, and logistical support in the production of the Grand Rounds Series.
Result
Responsible for eight or more events each year, Atlas coordinated events regarding women’s care, narrative medicine, happiness in the workplace, quality standards, open visitation, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and more. The events encourage the spirited exchange of ideas, promotion of community, and the provision of culturally competent, patient-centered care.