Accountability: This means driving a spirit of excellence, stewardship and integrity in how we interact with others and by putting the patient at the center of all that we do. We hold ourselves and others to high expectations to ensure best outcomes and excellent care. This also means learning from our mistakes and taking needed action to improve. Accountability may also mean stepping up to help others when it is the right thing to do.

Tips to improve accountability:

• Take ownership of a situation or an opportunity to communicate better by asking “What have I missed?” or “What haven’t I explained?” Consider asking patients and families to share their understanding of the care plan, if appropriate, or when their understanding is critical, for example, a new, high-risk medication.
• Manage timelines and expectations proactively where possible. Apologize where appropriate when changes occur.
• Continuous learning, leader rounding and coaching are part of our culture. Take advantage of opportunities to learn techniques from others.

An opportunity for accountability with well-being work at HonorHealth: HonorHealth is committed to continually assessing how we can enhance our experience for our clinicians. Engagement surveys, townhalls, well-being assessments through the American Medical Association, rounding and professional development for physicians and other team members are just a few of the ways we focus on continuous improvement and stay accountable to all of you. On Friday, April 12, the Women Physician Leadership Council will host a fundraising dinner with a national expert in physician and hospital system well-being, Tait Shanafelt, MD. We invite you to come participate and learn how we can all take action to further the culture of well-being. Learn more and register here.

ICARE recognition honoring accountability: Hyong Choi, MD, from HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center

I just wanted to take a brief moment to recognize some exceptional teamwork and dedication to our patients exhibited by Dr. Choi. PCCU had nearly simultaneous rapid responses called on two patients that were declining very quickly. Dr. Choi was present on the unit rounding on his patients. Neither of the two patients that were declining were assigned to him, yet he stepped in immediately and quickly assisted in facilitating emergent transfers to the ICU. The quick actions taken in assessing and facilitating the transfers to ICU made all the difference to both of these patients, and I cannot express my gratitude enough for his assistance in the matter. He stepped up even though he didn’t have to, and I genuinely believe that is the kind of care and dedication that separates us from other hospitals. That is a shining example of going beyond when it comes to delivering the best care to our patients here at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center! Huge thank you!

Thank you to Rebecca Zaner, DO, for recognizing a colleague who was accountable to the care of all of our patients!