Hospitals commonly use huddles to create staff alignment on a wide range of operational, clinical, and other topics and functions. However, not all huddles are delivering the desired effect of lasting impact and full staff engagement. Experts agree that one fundamental requirement of creating a safety culture is having a preoccupation with safety built into every workday.

In the latest Key In To Quality podcast, entitled “Improving Safety Culture and Solving Problems Through Daily Huddles,” Jennifer Cowart, M.D., patient safety officer and hospitalist, Mayo Clinic Florida, shares her experience with building culture of safety through deliberate, strategic, and persistent hard work. Dr. Cowart has dedicated much of her career to improving safety culture at Mayo Clinic and other institutions. She provides useful insights on and practical recommendations for implementing daily huddles that foster trusting relationships, build leadership skills, and engage team members in creating safety culture.

The session is ideal for health care leaders, patient safety and quality leaders and staff, clinical practice leaders, and nursing leaders and staff.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

In 1989, American author Stephen Covey published the popular business book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” In it, he presents the second habit: begin with the end in mind. Those working in healthcare today know that concept applies to patient care. There are a myriad of opportunities to examine historical practices and data with future quality and safety improvements in mind. Mortality reviews is one of those.

This episode of Key into Quality podcast, entitled “Systematic Mortality Reviews: Looking Back to Improve the Future” discusses insights into how mortality reviews can guide healthcare providers in delivering safer, more effective care.

Brian Beam, M.D., assistant professor, Anesthesiology and chair, Mayo Clinic Rochester Mortality Review Subcommittee, and John McMahon, manager, Quality Operations, Mayo Clinic share Mayo Clinic’s mortality review process, its structure, and the collaborative efforts involved. They also talk about how leveraging data and fostering collaboration have led to significant improvements in patient care as well as how Mayo Clinic is working towards using artificial intelligence to proactively address potential issues.

This podcast is ideal for healthcare and hospital leaders, quality and patient safety leaders and staff, providers, and care givers.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

Are you passionate about the future of healthcare and eager to learn how proactive strategies, real-world success stories, and cutting-edge innovation are revolutionizing nursing? Here’s a chance to hear inspiring ideas to use at your hospital or clinical practice.

This recent episode of Key into Quality podcast, entitled “The Future of Safety in Nursing: Voices from the Frontline,” hosted guests Jen Cruise and Nina Hawthorne, both nurse administrators at Mayo Clinic, who shared invaluable insights from their extensive nursing experience. Together, they illustrate the essence of Safety 2.0 by demonstrating how proactive strategies and staff empowerment lead to exceptional patient outcomes.

Jen and Nina also delved into their visionary approaches, such as Jen's focus on integrating evidence-based practice into daily nursing activities and Nina's championing of innovation to drive safety. Their dialogue showcased the dedication of nursing leaders at Mayo Clinic in advancing healthcare quality and ensuring that patient needs remain the central focus.

This podcast is ideal for healthcare and hospital leaders, nursing leaders, nurses, quality and safety leaders and staff.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

Looking to create lasting change in your healthcare team’s approach to hand hygiene? Dive into this episode of Key in to Quality, a Mayo Clinic podcast exploring the impactful topic of hand hygiene with insights from frontline experts. Dr. Melissa Cortez, a hospitalist, and Adam Whitford, an infection prevention expert, share firsthand experiences from Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus on leading effective hand hygiene initiatives.

In this episode entitled “Beyond the Basics: Transforming Hand Hygiene Compliance in Hospitals,” they reveal the secrets to fostering consistent hand hygiene practices—even in busy hospital settings. You’ll learn about innovative techniques like using security cameras to monitor compliance, and how providing specific, actionable feedback can make a real difference. Dr. Cortez and Adam also talk about recognizing “shining stars” on the staff who excel in hand hygiene, showing that a little appreciation can spark widespread engagement.

Packed with practical tips on change management, communication, and behavior reinforcement, this session is perfect for any healthcare leader aiming to boost quality and safety in their organization.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

Logistical robots are transforming the way hospitals operate, from easing supply transport to enhancing staff efficiency. While these innovations can streamline tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care, they can also introduce some potential safety concerns.

The latest episode of the Key In To Quality podcast, entitled “Robotics Rx: Revolutionizing Healthcare, Safely,” our guest, Carl Freyholtz, CSP, Safety Coordinator, Quality, Mayo Clinic, explores the groundbreaking integration of robotics in healthcare. The conversation covers the practical applications and safety considerations of using robots in medical settings.

Learn about the real-life impact, including reduced physical strain on workers and improved time management, and explore what the "hospital of the future" could look like. Tune in to understand how robotics could reshape the landscape of healthcare, making it safer and more efficient for everyone involved.

The session is ideal for healthcare leaders and staff, facilities personnel, and staff safety workers.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

Battling healthcare’s rising trend: workplace violence

Stemming patient and staff injury in healthcare environments involves more than preventing falls and infections. The alarming rise in violence faced by healthcare providers has forced hospitals and health systems to focus on a critical yet often overlooked issue in healthcare—workplace violence.

Entitled “Tackling Workplace Violence in Healthcare,” the latest Key In To Quality podcast episode, features Mayo Clinic experts, Casey Clements, M.D., Ph.D. and Sarayna McGuire, M.D., who work as emergency medicine consultants. Together, they explore the complex factors contributing to violent incidents, their impact on staff well-being, and innovative strategies for creating safer healthcare environments.

Listeners will learn about various forms of violence in healthcare, including microaggressions, verbal abuse, and physical confrontations. The discussion reveals a 47% rise in healthcare violence over the last five years and shares firsthand accounts from clinicians. It challenges misconceptions that violence is confined to psychiatric settings. The podcast also highlights Mayo Clinic's initiatives in violence prevention through community partnerships, reporting tools, and technology like passive weapons detection.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

Focus on Staff Ergonomics: Preventing injuries, boosting productivity

Many healthcare jobs are physically demanding. Few things slow patient care and negatively impact productivity and financial performance than on-the-job injuries. Prevention is the key.

In the latest episode of Key in to Quality podcast entitled “Staff Ergonomics: Keeping care givers in ‘fighting form’,” guest Nick Smith, CPE, ergonomist, Staff Safety, Mayo Clinic, sheds light on how proper ergonomic practices can prevent injuries, boost productivity, and enhance the overall well-being of staff members. Smith, a former medical officer in the United States Navy, says keeping ranks healthy by implementing ergonomics can create a safer, more productive work environment. He offers valuable advice and practical resources for navigating the complexities of ergonomics.

The session is ideal for healthcare leaders, staff and occupational safety leaders and staff, ergonomics professionals, and employee wellness professionals.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

In today’s high-pressure healthcare environment, the well-being of patients and staff is paramount. Yet, a growing concern is emerging within hospitals across the country—rude and violent behavior from patients and visitors that disrupts the quality of care and threatens the safety and morale of healthcare professionals.

In the latest Key In To Quality podcast entitled “Addressing Abusive Behaviors in Healthcare: A Deep Dive,” guest Richard Elias, M.B.B.S., M.D., consultant, Hospital Medicine, and vice chair, Complex Behavior Committee, Mayo Clinic, dives deep into this critical issue, shedding light on the toxic behaviors that are often dismissed or overlooked, and exploring the profound effects they have on healthcare providers.

In this episode, Dr. Elias along with the podcast hosts explore the troubling rise of abusive behaviors in healthcare settings by sharing showcasing real-life scenarios. By bringing these situations to life and discussing the issues, they aim to foster a deeper understanding of the human cost of such behaviors and spark a conversation about how they can be effectively addressed.

The session is ideal for healthcare leaders, providers/clinicians, security personnel, human resources team members, patient grievance and regulatory staff, and accreditation personnel.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality