The Resuscitation Quality Improvement® program (RQI®), co-developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical and delivered by RQI Partners, was implemented at Wise Health System on April 4, 2020, to help the hospital’s clinical staff achieve sustained mastery of high- quality CPR skills and competence, resulting in improved patient outcomes. Wise Health System recognizes the importance of high-quality CPR competence, performance and delivery in saving more lives.
Yesterday, Wise Health System was recognized in a ceremony as an RQI Lighthouse Organization, joining an exclusive group of hospitals from around the country that demonstrate resuscitation best practices using the RQI program. Wise Health System is the first hospital in Texas to receive this designation.
This recognition is awarded to participating RQI hospitals that advocate for quality and a culture of resuscitation excellence and serve as a beacon to other organizations looking to improve their resuscitation programs and patient outcomes. With a reputation for superior quality and efficient processes, RQI Lighthouse Organizations align with the RQI mission to eliminate preventable death from sudden cardiac arrest.
“With the RQI program, our staff receives quarterly resuscitation education and hands-on practice. Our clinical staff is ever ready to provide the best resuscitation care to our patients, visitors, community and even our own family members,” said Allisyn Ramirez, Clinical Education and RQI Program Coordinator. “This program increases staff confidence and muscle memory when performing lifesaving CPR. One of our core values is to be innovative and Wise Health System uses the RQI cutting edge technology to prepare our staff. This allows us to perform the other three core values of being with, being safe and being excellent with resuscitation care.”
It is estimated that 292,000 in-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with survival rates at less than 26%. Patients who suffer a cardiac arrest must receive the highest quality CPR possible, which is known to be the cornerstone for survival; however, studies have shown CPR skills can decay within three to six months following training. Wise Health System’s adoption of RQI 2020 prepares their clinical providers to deliver high-quality CPR and verify competence in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support through simulated skills sessions and eLearning simulations.
To learn more about the RQI program and the value it brings to hospitals, patient care and communities at- large, visit www.rqipartners.com.
About Wise Health System
Wise Health System is committed to leading the growth and development of health care services in our area and providing quality, specialized care for you and your family. With more than 2,000 employees and growing, our health care system continues to be the largest employer in Wise County. Wise Health System is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
About RQI Partners LLC
RQI Partners LLC is a partnership between the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical, positioning the organizations to deliver innovative solutions that accelerate the impact of their lifesaving mission. The company blends the Association’s leadership in science with Laerdal’s expertise in technology and implementation to deliver impactful and innovative resuscitation quality improvement programs. For more information, visit www.rqipartners.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, or Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Laerdal Medical
Laerdal Medical, one of the world’s leading providers of healthcare solutions, is dedicated to helping save lives with products and services for Simulation, Airway Management, Immobilization, Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Patient Care, Self-Directed Learning and Medical Education. Laerdal is pleased to serve all healthcare providers and educators, from the lay rescuer to medical professionals. Laerdal operates sales and support offices in 23 countries worldwide, and with the head office located in Stavanger, Norway. For more information, visit www.laerdal.com or call 877-523-7325.