News

Clark Fork Valley Hospital was recently awarded the Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network’s Quality Improvement Award for its work on a clinical study focusing on medication reconciliation. The awards were announced during the general session at the MHA Annual Convention held in Billings on September 24, 2015.

The Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network (PIN) is a voluntary membership of 48 critical access hospitals throughout the state. Through this Network, member hospitals are able to benchmark their performance with their peers on a variety of financial, utilization and direct patient care measures that encourage safe, effective, patient-centered care delivery in even the most remote communities of the state. PIN quality of care measures are based on national benchmarks, but are tailored to reflect the realities of the state’s rural population.

Throughout 2014 and 2015, PIN members worked in two focus areas to improve the quality of care provided to the members of their communities: meeting federal EMTALA requirements for transfer documentation; and improving patient safety in hospital medication use. Applicants for awards in 2015 were required to demonstrate measurable improvement in two or more of the previously mentioned quality of care focus areas over the previous 12 months and consistent participation in the PIN’s benchmarking program. Applicants were also required to demonstrate an active and leading role in supporting PIN quality improvement efforts by participating in PIN events and sharing with peers.

Clark Fork Valley Hospital has demonstrated a commitment to its community and the region it serves through its efforts to participate in the PIN’s benchmarking and quality of care improvement programs.