Probably no other field has as many awards programs as health care, and no wonder. Who's more worthy of recognition than people who dedicate their lives to healing the ill and helping the well stay well?
As a rule, I avoid mentioning specific competitions in this space — other than those we sponsor here at Health Forum and which we spotlight in our annual awards issue in August. But we're closing in on entry deadlines for two programs that are particularly relevant in this day and age, so I'm breaking my own rule.
• The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is sponsoring the Voices of Quality Video Contest to spotlight how performance measurement data can improve quality and better position an organization for public reporting and payment reform. Here's RWJF's description: "You don't have to be an award-winning filmmaker to enter — all you need is a video camera and a story to tell. Your video should share how you and your colleagues went above and beyond to improve quality using performance measurement data." Entries can come from clinicians, administrators and anybody else working in hospitals or other health care organizations. But hurry — the deadline is Nov. 15. Read more here.
• The American College of Physician Executives is accepting applications through Dec. 6 for the third annual Leape Ahead Awards to honor health care organizations "making extraordinary strides in promoting a culture of leadership, professionalism, communication and teamwork among medical students and residents." The awards are named for Lucian Leape, M.D., a pioneer in the patient safety movement in this country. As the Lucian Leape Institute has stated, "improving health care in the United States means teaching young physicians the interpersonal, collaborative and team-oriented skills they need to become leaders." Learn more here.
Speaking of quality and patient safety, H&HN's senior writer Paul Barr will attend the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's annual meeting in Orlando next month. It draws health care professionals from the around the world to learn about new and successful ways to improve quality and safety and, maybe most importantly, to get inspired by each other. Look for Paul's daily reports in this space beginning on Dec. 11.
