Mike Brownlee, PharmD, MS, FASHP, co-chair of the Quality and Safety Symposium (QSS), thinks this year should help break down the notion that the day-long conference is just for certain people. “Quality is an interprofessional effort. All of us working together,” he said, “is how we achieve great things for patients.” Because we all have a stake in that outcome, Brownlee said he hopes that everyone involved with University of Iowa Health Care will consider attending. The day-long conference, now in its sixth year, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, in Medical Alumni Auditorium (E331 GH, Elevator BE).

Those who do attend will hear from University of Iowa Health Care leaders and innovators about a variety of activities in different formats. Brief updates on quality initiatives within the institution will come from Mike Edmond, MD, MPH, MPA, chief quality officer for University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, and a few other officers on the Clinical Quality, Safety, and Performance Improvement (CQSPI) team. Chief Medical Officer Teri Brennan, MD, FACC, will also present on some recent safety initiatives and successes.

“We’ve decided to not have a specific theme the past two years to encourage a variety of speakers and topics, but inevitably a theme seems to emerge anyway,” Krista Johnson, MD, MME, said. “Last year, we seemed to be drifting toward big data and informatics, which fit well with David Bates giving the keynote. This year, we were already thinking about the patient and family perspective when Sorrel King’s name came up. She was a natural fit.” Following her presentation at noon, Ms. King will also be available to sign copies of her book, Josie’s Story. Attendees will also hear from representatives who serve on the hospital’s Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council, which plays an important role in fostering communication between providers and patients.

Each QSS tries to identify areas of interest and concern for a broad audience. Last year’s presentation on building safety principles into the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital design was one of the most talked about. This year, Sara Caven, MSN, RN, Magnet^® program director, will discuss the rigorous process of applying for and earning Magnet redesignation for the fourth time from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. “Delivering safe, high quality patient care is always our ultimate goal,” Ms. Craven said, “and how we have maintained our elite status. I hope to provide some concrete examples in my talk of how we do this every day.”

For those interested in a broader spectrum of quality and safety projects, many of which extend beyond the Carver College of Medicine, come to the QSS poster presentation and competition on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., organized by Wendy Fiordellisi, MD, MS. As with last year, dozens of submissions will be on display in the Atrium of the Medical Education Research Facility. Works-in-progress from every college on campus are welcome, and some will be selected to deliver oral presentations during the symposium itself. Poster prizes will be awarded to trainees and staff. Submissions are being accepted through Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Registration to attend this event is open.