CHCF, CIHSP Attempt to Recruit More Hospitals for Round Two of PEP-C Survey
The California HealthCare Foundation's Quality Initiative and the California Institute for Health Systems Performance last week began a "vigorous statewide effort" to recruit more hospitals to participate in the second round of the Patients' Evaluation of Performance in California project, a survey of consumers' impressions of hospitals (CHCF release, 4/3). Last August, CHCF and CIHSP released the first stage of the PEP-C study, which found that Californians who spent time in the hospital in the previous year generally received necessary pain medication, did not experience long waits and were treated respectfully before surgery. Slightly less than one-third -- 113 -- of hospitals statewide agreed to take part in the voluntary study, which required them to pay a $1,500 participation fee (California Healthline, 9/4/01). In order to facilitate participation in the project, members of a "PEP-C team" will meet with hospitals individually and in groups to answer their questions about the survey. The project will also "enlist the support" of the media, consumer groups, legislators and local officials to try to "influence" hospitals into participating. In addition, CHCF is setting aside funds for hospitals that request financial assistance, CIHSP Vice President Marsha Nelson said. The second round of the survey examine "critical aspects of hospital care" in seven categories: coordination of care, emotional support, information and education, involvement of family and friends, physical comfort, respect for patient preferences and transition to home. Responses are grouped by maternity, medical and surgical patients (CHCF release, 4/3).
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