Article by Varisha Parikh (Q18)
On February 3rd, 2012, a group of QUEST students accompanied by Dr. Bailey and Nicole set out in two mini-vans for Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. The purpose of this visit was to gain a better understanding of the infrastructure and management of a large hospital facility. The aim for the attending QUEST students was to be attentive to the presentation and facility tour in order to scope out potential for a 490 project.
Upon arriving at Mercy Hospital, everyone was stunned by how massive the facility was. The hospital spanned multiple buildings with a sky walk and was (obviously) amazingly clean. The day began with a presentation by the CEO and executive board of the hospital, Tom Mullen. The presentation described the infrastructure of the hospital as well as the business plan and financial characteristics. This presentation was particularly interesting because it highlighted how the many facets of the hospital must work together to ensure proper care and efficiency. The necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration was made evident. Also, the presenters described how the hospital management adapts their plans in order to accommodate a variety of patients and their unique healthcare needs. In addition, they described a variety of quality tools and measurements used to facilitate hospital management.
The procedural update screen, one of Mercy Hospital's newest innovations
Following the presentation, the CEO and executive board took the QUEST group on a short tour of the new additions to the hospital. During the tour and description of the facilities, it was evident that each aspect was catered to patient comfort and healthcare provider convenience. For instance, in the new hospital suites, the room structure provided more room for family members, increased support for feeble patients, and ample space for medical preparation. QUEST students learned how these aesthetic aspects are also a significant aspect of patient care and experience. Another example is the new computer monitors in the surgery waiting room which indicates to the family of patients the status of their loved ones’ surgical procedure. After completing the tour, QUEST students presented the CEO and executive board with gifts in order to show appreciation for their time and effort.
The trip to Mercy Hospital provided QUEST students with a unique experience to see how hospitals must also implement quality tools, management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative infrastructure. On the ride back to College Park, Dr. Bailey encouraged students to brainstorm ideas for a possible 490 collaboration with Mercy Hospital. As healthcare moves forward, the necessity for continual process improvement and innovation becomes more important. And who knows process improvement better than QUEST students?
QUEST students pose with Mercy Hospital hosts