"Participation in Leapfrog was a strategic decision made by the ECHO Board of Directors. The Leapfrog project is a great first effort supported by the employer community in focusing on healthcare quality specific to Alabama. Is it the goal of the coalition to use this quality platform to support positive healthcare performance. "

Karen Hill, ECHO

What is Leapfrog?

Today, you can probably get more information about choosing a TV than choosing a doctor or hospital. Leapfrog is changing that by working to make reporting health care quality and outcomes a routine feature of the US health care system. Leapfrog provides information on health care quality so that you can compare hospitals, much like Consumer Reports.

In 2005, ECHO was selected by the Leapfrog Group to lead the effort to promote and implement quality and safe practices in all Alabama health care facilities. ECHO is working with Alabama hospitals in monitoring their progress toward implementing Leapfrog’s goals by:

  • Working with hospitals to move toward implementing three proven patient safety improvements: Computerized physician order entry, 24 hour staffing of intensive care units with physicians trained in critical care medicine, and evidence-based hospital referrals.
  • Encouraged hospitals to publicly report their progress in implementing these three improvements.
  • Developing recognition and reward programs for hospitals that implement these safety practices.
  • Working with employers to educate their employees about preventable medical mistakes and what they as individuals can do to minimize their chances of experiencing such mistakes.