National study touts R.I. ICU Collaborative

PROVIDENCE – The success of an initiative to achieve significant improvement in the quality and safety of care in Rhode Island hospital intensive care facilities was documented in a new study published in the December issue of Quality and Safety in Health Care.
Launched in 2005, the Rhode Island ICU Collaborative has saved 73 lives, decreased by 74 percent the number of central line-associated blood infections, resulted in the reduction of 3,271 ICU days, and saved more than $11.5 million in hospital costs, according to the study.
The Rhode Island ICU Collaborative remains the only project of its kind in the United States to maintain 100 percent participation, targeting more than 16,000 patients in 263 hospital ICU beds across Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island ICU Collaborative was formed by the Rhode Island Quality Institute, Quality Partners of Rhode Island, and the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. It is funded by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare of New England, and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, as well as the individual participating hospitals that support the project’s internal costs. &#8226