Media Contact:
Patricia Thibeault- Director of Marketing, Notre Dame At Home
(508) 852-5505 pthibeault@notredamehealthcare.org
For Immediate Release: August 18, 2023
Notre Dame Hospice Achieves National Recognition through ‘Quality Connections’ Program
Demonstrating commitment to providing the highest quality care for the hospice community
Worcester, MA – Notre Dame Health Cares’ Adult and Pediatric Hospice Program has achieved recognition by earning four rings in the 2023 Quality Connections program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Quality Connections is the only national program designed to support hospice and palliative care provider delivery of high-quality, person-centered care.
Quality Connections is structured around four fundamental pillars which are represented by four rings: Education, Application, Measurement, and Innovation. Quality Connections participants are required to achieve milestones within defined timeframes by participating in activities such as quarterly data reporting and benchmarking, educational courses, case studies, and engagement on emerging issues; all of which serve to promote high-quality care delivery and service excellence. Achievement in the program is measured by completing activities within each of the four foundational areas, culminating in the closure of up to four rings.
By participating in Quality Connections program year 2023, Notre Dame Hospice has earned the highest achievement possible by closing four rings and has enhanced its quality improvement program plus, is up to date on the newest and best practices in serious illness and end-of-life care.
“Patients and their families deserve the highest quality of care possible as they navigate through their end-of-life journey. I am proud to work for an organization that is committed to ensuring we have the resources that we need to accomplish this,” said Susan Keefe, RN, BSN, CHPN, CHPCA, Executive Director of Notre Dame At Home (hospice and palliative care). “Having national recognition through the Quality Connections program is a great honor and shows how dedicated our staff are to ensuring patient and family needs and goals are met.”
“NHPCO is committed to helping hospice and palliative care providers deliver the best care possible to patients and their loved ones. Quality Connections was created to make the ongoing journey of excellence possible,” said NHPCO COO and interim CEO Ben Marcantonio. “The Quality Connections program continues to grow and include broader content and learning opportunities like compliance, palliative care, equity and inclusion that serve our patients and communities across the continuum of serious illness and end-of-life care.”
Learn more about Notre Dame Adult and Pediatric Hospice here.