#40 – Dr. Christopher Landrigan, Chief of General Pediatrics at Boston Children’s HospitaI & Deborah Campbell, VP Clinical Strategy and Transformation at Kentucky Hospital Association

Introduction

In the latest episode of the Seamless Connection podcast, host Meena Mallipeddi sits down with Deborah Campbell, VP of Clinical Strategy and Transformation for the Kentucky Hospital Association, and Dr. Christopher Landrigan, Chief of General Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, to discuss their groundbreaking work with the I-PASS Initiative. This initiative aims to reduce medical errors and enhance patient safety through improved healthcare communication.

The Journey to I-PASS

Deborah Campbell shares her journey from being a high school candy striper to becoming a pivotal leader in healthcare. Initially on a pre-med track, Campbell shifted to nursing, where she found her calling in pediatric care and quality improvement. Her extensive career led her to the Kentucky Hospital Association, where she now impacts healthcare on a statewide level.

Dr. Christopher Landrigan’s path was influenced by his parents’ involvement in public health. Initially hesitant about a career in medicine, Landrigan eventually embraced pediatrics and health services research. His focus on the systemic design of healthcare systems laid the groundwork for the development of I-PASS.

Understanding the I-PASS Initiative

The I-PASS Initiative began as a pilot project aimed at standardizing handoffs in healthcare to minimize errors. I-PASS stands for Illness Severity, Patient Summary, Action List, Situational Awareness and Contingency Planning, and Synthesis of Information. The initiative addresses variability in care transitions, which often lead to miscommunications and medical errors. Initial results showed a significant reduction in errors, prompting broader adoption and further research.

Implementation and Impact

Initially piloted in nine pediatric hospitals, the I-PASS Initiative demonstrated a 30% reduction in patient injuries due to medical errors. This success led to the formation of the I-PASS Institute, which helps hospitals implement the program on a larger scale. The initiative now includes digital tools and a structured implementation process that emphasizes behavior and culture change.

The Role of Technology

Advancements in technology have been crucial in scaling the I-PASS Initiative. The introduction of 3D immersive simulations for training has made it possible to educate thousands of clinicians efficiently. However, the heart of I-PASS remains in changing how healthcare professionals communicate, emphasizing person-to-person interactions supported by technological tools.

Challenges and Future Directions

Implementing I-PASS in resource-constrained hospitals poses challenges, but the Kentucky Hospital Association has made significant strides by funding the initiative through their Hospital Rate Improvement Program. Future goals include expanding I-PASS to all hospitals in Kentucky and exploring its application in ambulatory settings.

Conclusion

The I-PASS Initiative is a testament to the power of standardized communication in reducing medical errors and improving patient safety. With continued support and expansion, I-PASS has the potential to revolutionize healthcare communication across various settings, ensuring safer and more efficient patient care. Stay tuned for future updates on the impact of I-PASS in Kentucky and beyond.