Conway Medical Center’s Commitment to Quality & Patient Safety
At Conway Medical Center, our goal is to deliver high-quality, compassionate care while improving the health and well-being of our community. As part of this commitment, we actively participate in the South Carolina Quality Achievement Program (SCQAP). This statewide initiative aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance access to care, and reduce preventable healthcare risks for Medicaid members.
Our participation in SCQAP reflects our dedication to patient safety, prevention of avoidable complications, and equity in healthcare delivery. Below is a summary of our current efforts and their impact on the community:
Our Projects:
Reducing Preventable Emergency Department (ED) Visits
Project: ED Navigation
We identify patients who frequently visit the ED and connect them with a nurse navigator. Our navigator helps patients:
- Understand appropriate care settings.
- Access outpatient and primary care.
- Overcome barriers like transportation or housing insecurity.
Why It Matters:
Preventing unnecessary ED use reduces risks such as:
- Medication errors due to lack of continuity in care.
- Delayed or fragmented care.
- Exposure to infections in hospital settings.
Impact to Date:
- Patients enrolled in our navigation program have been successfully redirected to primary care.
- We have increased education and follow-up appointment scheduling to reduce ED dependence.
Improving Chronic Disease Management
Project: Diabetes and Hypertension Registries
We track and support patients with diabetes and/or hypertension to help them:
- Maintain healthy glucose and blood pressure levels.
- Receive timely follow-up care.
- Avoid emergency complications.
Why It Matters:
Uncontrolled chronic conditions can lead to serious complications, including:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia.
- Strokes and cardiac events.
- Hospital admissions due to uncontrolled conditions.
Impact to Date:
Our baseline data shows clear areas for improvement, which we are now addressing through proactive outreach and care coordination.
Supporting Safer Pregnancies and Deliveries
Project: Maternal Care
We monitor and improve care for expectant mothers, focusing on:
- Reducing early elective deliveries.
- Lowering preterm birth and low birthweight rates.
- Ensuring timely prenatal care.
Why It Matters:
Proper maternal care is crucial to prevent:
- Risk of maternal and neonatal complications.
- Hospital admissions and associated safety risks for mothers and newborns.
Impact to Date:
Early trends show increased adherence to full-term delivery practices and improved care documentation.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
Project: Health Equity
We screen patients for unmet needs related to:
- Food insecurity
- Housing instability
- Transportation access
Patients who screen positive are connected with community resources to help address these needs.
Why It Matters:
Social barriers often contribute to avoidable hospitalizations and poor outcomes, especially among underserved populations. Addressing SDOH is key to achieving health equity.
Impact to Date:
Patients identified through our screening process are being connected to services that support long-term health and reduce preventable care utilization.
Our work in SCQAP demonstrates our ongoing efforts to improve care quality and reduce risks for serious adverse events, particularly among vulnerable populations.