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URMC Recognized as RQI Lighthouse for Commitment to Improving Cardiac Arrest Survival

Innovative, digital CPR learning solution helps elevate delivery of high-quality CPR

ROCHESTER, Oct. 12, 2021 – UR Medicine’s Strong Memorial Hospital was recognized for its high-quality CPR competence and named a Resuscitation Quality Improvement® Program (RQI®) Lighthouse Organization. The prestigious designation follows six years of education and training to transform the standard of resuscitation care for in-hospital cardiac arrest.

RQI Lighthouse Award 2021

Strong Memorial joins a network of 15 institutions around the nation that have been named RQI Lighthouse Organizations for demonstrating resuscitation best practices and sustaining mastery of high-quality CPR skills through more frequent learning experiences, resulting in improved patient outcomes. In 2015, Strong Memorial adopted this extensive staff training and education program developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical.“Our steadfast commitment to this life-saving training has elevated the quality of care that our patients receive,” said Stephanie Von Bacho, MS, RN, NEA-BC, senior director for Learning and Development, Clinical Enterprise for URMC and UR Medicine. “Since we implemented this program six years ago, we have seen a higher degree of confidence and competence with our clinical staff. “

Each year, approximately 292,000 in-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States, with survival rates at less than 26 percent. Patients who suffer a cardiac arrest must receive the highest quality CPR possible, which is known to be the cornerstone for survival; however, studies show CPR skills can decay within three to six months following training.

The RQI Lighthouse Organization designation is awarded to participating RQI hospitals that advocate for quality and a culture of resuscitation excellence and serve as a beacon to other organizations looking to improve their resuscitation programs and patient outcomes. With a reputation for superior quality and efficient processes, RQI Lighthouse Organizations align with the RQI mission to eliminate preventable death from sudden cardiac arrest.

“The revolutionary program has improved health care staff’s resuscitative knowledge and skill leading to improved patient outcomes. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” said Chief Medical Officer Michael Apostolakos, M.D., F.C.C.P. He also serves as chair of the URMC Quality Institute.

Adoption of the elite training program helped prepare more than 10,000 clinical staff at Strong Memorial Hospital and throughout the health system to deliver high-quality CPR and verifies competence in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Care staff participate in quarterly self-directed, competence-based, simulation mastery learning and performance provided through cognitive and hands-on CPR quality improvement sessions.

RQI is delivered by RQI Partners, the partnership and service provider for the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical, a leader in medical simulation and resuscitation training.

“We are thrilled to welcome Strong Memorial Hospital to the RQI Lighthouse Class of 2020-21,” said Patty Wilson, impact manager at RQI Partners. “As an early adopter, the team has done an exemplary job of incorporating RQI into its culture, participating in testing and research and providing consistent feedback to influence program modifications and improvements. Additionally, hospital staff members are always willing to share their voices and experiences with peers who may be considering adoption. Clearly, Strong Memorial is committed to making high-quality CPR a priority organization-wide and furthering our mission to improve patient care and help save more lives.”

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About University of Rochester Medical Center

One of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, the University of Rochester Medical Center forms the centerpiece of the University of Rochester’s health research, teaching and patient care missions. Over the last five years, URMC has garnered more than $1.3 billion in biomedical research, landing the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in the top one-quarter of U.S. medical centers in federal research funding. As upstate New York’s premier health care delivery network, patients benefit from the Medical Center’s robust teaching and biomedical research programs. The University’s health care delivery network is anchored by Strong Memorial Hospital, an 886-bed, University-owned teaching hospital designated by the New York State Department of Health as a Level One Regnal Trauma and Burn Center and home to Western New York’s only cardiac transplant program. With more than 26,000 part- and full-time employees, the Medical Center is the largest single component of the Rochester region’s leading employer.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling +1 800 AHA USA1.

About Laerdal Medical

Laerdal is dedicated to our mission of helping save lives. For more than 60 years, Laerdal has remained a world leader in healthcare education, training and therapy solutions. Laerdal develops products, programs and digital solutions designed to increase survival and improve patient outcomes. By implementing evidence-based solutions within the areas of resuscitation, patient safety and global health, we address the changing needs of healthcare organizations and help build competence of healthcare providers, educators and lay rescuers. Together with our partners, we believe we can help save one million more lives, every year. Laerdal is a global company in 25 countries worldwide with the head office located in Stavanger, Norway. For more information, visit www.laerdal.com.

About RQI Partners LLC

RQI Partners LLC is a partnership between the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical, positioning the organizations to deliver innovative solutions that accelerate the impact of their lifesaving mission. The company blends the AHA’s leadership in science and resuscitation education with Laerdal’s expertise in technology and implementation to deliver impactful and innovative resuscitation quality improvement programs. For more information, visit www.rqipartners.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.