Exploring the Impact of Resident-led Safety Council on Patient Care

In the heart of Stanford University Medical Center, where innovation and excellence converge, one general surgery resident has been making waves in the realm of patient safety and quality improvement. Driven by a passion for enhancing patient care, Dr. Garrison Carlos, emerged as a dynamic force in the field, leaving an indelible mark on the institution.

As a co-chair of the Resident Safety Council (RSC) alongside Pediatric Resident Dr. Katherine Xiong, Carlos had a vision to elevate safety standards and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Over the last two years, they spearheaded four distinct quality improvement initiatives:

1. Optimizing communication. The team implemented the use of standardized protocols in the healthcare message app Voalte, which simplified the identification of the correct provider. The team achieved a reduction in first contact errors, leading to smoother transitions into surgery.
2. Improving the care of diabetic patients. The team introduced continuous glucose monitoring technologies and increased interdisciplinary collaboration which led to a decrease in diabetic complications and an increase in patient satisfaction. This contributed to improved patient outcomes.
3. AI. The team employed machine learning algorithms to identify high-risk patients and pinpoint the key drivers leading to increased risk of readmission.
4. Waste Reduction. The team used a holistic approach to reduce the amount of clinical waste and promote reusable products. We also gave providers tools to find ways to contribute to green outcomes within their own specialties.

The culmination of these initiatives was celebrated at the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Symposium this past May. The RSC showcased their journey, highlighting the successes, challenges, and the transformative impact on patient care. The symposium provided a platform for sharing insights, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, and inspiring other healthcare professionals to embark on their own quality improvement journeys.

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The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• pioneering cutting-edge research, 
• developing the next generation of leaders, and 
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion. 

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu