by Christopher Cornue

My colleague, Nick Jacobs, recently wrote about patient centered care gaining momentum. I couldn't agree more. At a meeting I recently attended with international leaders for healthcare, this was an major topic.

Each year when the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) meeting convenes, there is always a focus in patient-centered care. Up until this year, one of the fathers of patient centered care, Harvey Picker (who passed away earlier this year) was always present, and gave us his insight, motivation and charge to "make a difference" at our respective organizations. This session normally culminated with recognition of leaders in the industry making change happen toward a safer environment for our patients.

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This year, James B. Conway, among others, was recognized, but it was his specific recognition that most significantly impacted me. Conway took over the role as EVP/COO at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute immediately after it received attention for a patient who was provided a lethal overdose. The stories Conway told and the actions he took to publicly express what had happened was--and still is--a testament to all of us leading healthcare institutions.

He (and the board) made a bold and, at that time, unusual move that ensured the hospital owned up to its mistake, while at the same time committing to sweeping changes. Those actions are why both he and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are recognized nationally for their efforts in the area of patient-centered care.

Over the past few years, several situations have occurred that have caused people to be both horrified at our industry, and proud of the leaders who take positive stands against such situations. So what can we do to make sure that patient-centered care is a normal part of our daily business?

In the coming weeks, I'll be writing about a this effort. Until then, please reflect about what we can do; my sincerest thanks to James B. Conway, among others, for his leadership in these efforts.