NPSF announces 97th MDG as winner of the 2013 Stand Up for Patient Safety Management Award Published May 6, 2013 By PRWeb press releases BOSTON -- The 97th Medical Group, Altus AFB, Okla., won this year's Stand Up for Patient Safety Management Award. The National Patient Safety Foundation announced the winners of the 2013 Stand Up For Patient Safety Management Award. The award for ambulatory care will be given to the 97th MDG. The award will be conferred at the 15th Annual NPSF Patient Safety Congress to be held May 8-10 2013, in New Orleans. The award is given in recognition of the successful implementation of an outstanding patient safety initiative led or created by mid-level management within a member organization of the NPSF Stand Up for Patient Safety program. The initiative must have demonstrated evidence of patient safety improvement, with involvement of staff at all levels of the organization. The 97th MDG, provides care for 9,500 service members and their families in the surrounding communities. They are being recognized for a program designed to standardize pediatric visits through use of checklists that were designed in consultation with all stakeholders, clinical providers, ancillary medical staff and parents. "Our goal was to make sure that every parent could answer the question, 'How do I know I am getting everything I need each time I bring my child to the doctor,'" said Mark H. Smithwick, 97th MDG patient safety program manager. "Although we are still in the early stages, we have seen positive results in the form of increased immunization rates as well as parents characterizing the visits as 'thorough.'" This year marks the first time that two awards are being given. "Both projects were strong contenders," said Patricia McGaffigan, registered nurse, MS, interim president, NPSF. "And because the Stand Up for Patient Safety Program involves both inpatient and ambulatory facilities, we felt it was more than appropriate to designate two winners." Stand Up for Patient Safety Management Awards will be conferred at the Stand Up Member Breakfast May 10. Mr. Smithwick and Kathy Alexander, will be present to accept the awards on behalf of their organizations. NPSF has been pursuing one mission since its founding in 1997-to improve the safety of care provided to patients. As a central voice for patient safety, NPSF is committed to a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach in all that it does. NPSF is an independent, not-for-profit organization. The Stand Up for Patient Safety program at NPSF caters to hospitals, health systems, physician offices, and ambulatory facilities. Whether an organization is starting a new patient safety program or looking to enhance existing quality and safety efforts, membership provides the support and resources necessary to embed patient safety principles into organizational practice and align with national patient safety goals and critical regulatory requirements. Through participation, Stand Up members around the world gain access to field-tested tools and resources, expertly designed educational programs, and the invaluable support network created by the National Patient Safety Foundation. Visit www.npsf.org to learn more.