Innovations in Clinical Care

2017 Winners Announced

The Innovations in Clinical Care award is presented to the physician, nurse and/or team that demonstrates a visionary approach to problem-solving and performance improvement.

Abul Arifuddowla, M.D., M.P.H., Diana Berescu, Pharm.D., and the pharmacy team

Howard County General Hospital: Abul Arifuddowla, M.D., M.P.H., Diana Berescu, Pharm.D., and the pharmacy team

Work by Dr. Arifuddowla, Dr. Berescu and the pharmacy team on the Marquis II project improved accuracy of the home medication list, resulting in decreased medication errors and provider workloads. It also improved Emergency Department throughput and patient satisfaction.

Amanda McCollom, R.N., and the eighth floor pediatric medicine team

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital: Amanda McCollom, R.N., and the eighth floor pediatric medicine team

This team created and implemented a 24-hour care progression bundle for patients on the pediatric medicine floor that has increased timely discharges and patient flow, and decreased length of stay. Their work provides a blueprint for standardizing patient care processes across the hospital.

David Pearse, M.D., and the STRIDE Program

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center: David Pearse, M.D., and the STRIDE Program

The STRIDE Program in the medical intensive care unit, led by Dr. Pearse, utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient care and increase patient safety. An early mobility program, it decreased mortality and increased the percentage of patients discharged to home versus inpatient rehabilitation.

Janet Siddiqui, M.D., Christy Baxter, R.N., and the Odenton pediatrics team

Johns Hopkins Community Physicians: Janet Siddiqui, M.D., Christy Baxter, R.N., and the Odenton pediatrics team

To increase access for acutely ill patients without overburdening physicians and staff with extra work, Dr. Siddiqui and Ms. Baxter developed an approach termed a “flex visit.” Productivity has increased and patients and their families have expressed greater satisfaction.

Pamela Johnson, M.D., Lenny Feldman, M.D., Amit Pahwa, M.D., and the High Value Care Committee

The Johns Hopkins Hospital: Pamela Johnson, M.D., Lenny Feldman, M.D., Amit Pahwa, M.D., and the High Value Care Committee

Dr. Johnson, Dr. Feldman, Dr. Pahwa and the High Value Care Committee focus on increasing value for patients by reducing unnecessary diagnostic testing. In two years, they have virtually eliminated inappropriate use of cardiac biomarkers and reduced inappropriate inpatient folate testing by 80 percent.

Miguel Agrait Gonzalez, M.D.

Sibley Memorial Hospital: Miguel Agrait Gonzalez, M.D., emergency medicine physician

Dr. Gonzalez spearheaded a novel pain management protocol for use in the Emergency Department that minimizes the use of opioids for pain relief, which carry a risk of addiction and can be dangerous, especially for elderly patients.

Mihail Zilbermint, M.D.

Suburban Hospital: Mihail Zilbermint, M.D., director of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism care at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians Suburban Hospital and assistant professor of medicine

Dr. Zilbermint and his team introduced hospital-wide glycemic guidelines and protocols, leading to shorter lengths of stays for patients with diabetes, reducing readmissions for them by 15.5 percent and saving about $143,000 per month.