Atrium Health Navicent has been presented with a Georgia Hospital Association Patient Safety and Quality Award for the project, “Preventing VTE.” The project won third place for improving patient safety in a hospital with more than 300 beds.

The annual Patient Safety and Quality Awards recognize Georgia health care organizations for achievement in reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient safety and medical outcomes.

Atrium Health Navicent implemented several initiatives to prevent the occurrences of venous thrombo embolism (VTE), also called blood clots. Patients can get blood clots through lack of movement, not taking prescribed anti-blood clot medication or using compression devices on the legs. Blood clots can form in the legs and then travel to the lungs and brain, causing a pulmonary embolism, stroke or other complications.

The health system has reduced patient VTEs by 40 percent over three months in three pilot units and has sustained the reduction over the past year. The outcome was achieved by providing patients with education about the importance of preventative anti-coagulation shots, using compression devices on the legs, walking and other prevention measures.

“We are pleased to honor Atrium Health Navicent for their innovative approach to improving patient safety,” said Georgia Hospital Association President and CEO Caylee Noggle. “Their efforts have improved the health and wellness of the community, and we thank them for their important work in this area.”

Atrium Health Navicent was also presented with a Circle of Excellence Award, an honor given to hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to quality and patient safety as evidenced by not only winning a patient safety award in 2023, but by earning three or more GHA Patient Safety Awards within the previous five years. The previous awards recognized Atrium Health Navicent for use of electronic hand hygiene technology to prevent infection, initiatives that led to reductions in falls and ventilator-associated events or infections, and implementing new radiology regimens that reduced exposure to radiation without compromising visualization.

“Patient safety is key to providing excellent health care, and Atrium Health Navicent is committed to innovating to provide better, safer care,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrice Walker. “Thanks to the Georgia Hospital Association for recognizing our team’s commitment to providing safe, quality care for every patient, every day.”