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Piedmont's Journey to Becoming Georgia's Top Health System

Piedmont Healthcare, headquartered in Atlanta, has celebrated a significant milestone—ten years of systematic quality improvement that has transformed it into Georgia's safest nonprofit health system. This journey commenced in 2014 when Piedmont Atlanta Hospital received a disappointing safety grade from the Leapfrog Group, prompting leadership to instigate the campaign known as 'A by May.' The goal was to achieve an 'A' grade in the subsequent rating period, emphasizing a shift from mere outcomes to a comprehensive focus on process, prevention, and transparency.

A Systemwide Approach to Quality

Under the leadership of President and CEO Kevin Brown, Piedmont embarked on a systematic enhancement project that took root across all its facilities. Rather than solely concentrating on end results, Piedmont redefined its approach to healthcare quality, emphasizing standardization in processes alongside real-time performance tracking. This cultural shift empowered every healthcare worker to voice safety concerns freely, ensuring a collective effort in improving safety and quality measures.

Central to this transformation were innovative strategies such as 'Promise Packages,' which are evidence-based checklists integrated into their electronic health records. The organization adopted vigorous improvement methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma, to proactively identify and mitigate risks. These structured changes have led to significant clinical improvements and bolstered patient safety, placing Piedmont at the forefront of healthcare standards in Georgia.

Impactful Results and Improvements

Over the past two years, Piedmont has received 31 'A' grades from The Leapfrog Group, outpacing any other health system in Georgia. This exemplary performance has positioned Piedmont in the top third nationally among similar-sized health systems concerning safety outcomes. As a result, patients in Georgia are experiencing enhanced healthcare services, with notable quality improvements reflected in various metrics.

One impressive achievement involves a drastic 60% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections from 2016 to 2025. The organization also reported a staggering 80% to 90% decrease in serious safety events as the implementation of error-prevention tools became widespread. Furthermore, patient satisfaction scores, measured by Net Promoter Scores, have seen a substantial increase of 12 points since 2016, a clear indication of the positive reception to these changes.

A Commitment to Expand and Serve

The success of Piedmont's quality transformation has empowered the healthcare system's growth, expanding from just five hospitals in 2012 to 28 facilities and nearly 2,000 care locations today. Piedmont serves around 85% of Georgia's population, attending to 4.5 million patients annually. This broad reach underscores its commitment not just to quality healthcare but also to accessibility, ensuring every community within Georgia has the opportunity to receive top-tier medical services.

As Piedmont marks this decade of achievements, the organization remains dedicated to its mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. They continually strive to enhance access to healthcare for communities throughout Georgia, cementing their position as a trusted healthcare provider.

Looking forward, Piedmont Healthcare stands as a beacon of quality transformation in the healthcare sector, illustrating that with persistent efforts and strategic initiatives, it is possible to not only meet but exceed safety and quality expectations in patient care.