Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Quality Improvement Initiative Selected as Model Program by Alliance for Pediatric Quality
Nationwide effort to instill best practices for cystic fibrosis care is honored for excellence
October 1, 2008
(Bethesda, MD)—The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Quality Improvement Initiative has been selected by the Alliance for Pediatric Quality as a program of excellence because of its impact on improving the quality and length of life for children with cystic fibrosis.
The program was one of four selected from a pool of 50 quality initiatives by the Alliance and its task force of pediatric quality and safety experts, which is promoting these high-impact programs in the hopes that pediatric providers will consider adoption of these successful practices.
The goal of the Alliance is to bring about immediate, measurable change in the quality of care provided to children.
“Because of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the outlook for children with cystic fibrosis improves every year, and life expectancy continues to rise beyond what anyone thought possible just a few decades ago,” said Mimi Saffer, executive director of the Alliance. “The Foundation’s emphasis on improving care through innovative quality improvement efforts is paying off immeasurably for children with CF, who increasingly are growing into healthy, active adults.”
The Alliance is a national collaboration of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA) and the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI). Improve First is the name of the Alliance’s quality initiative.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s program was selected because it is a well-run, well-designed program with demonstrated results.
Key indicators of health for people with cystic fibrosis—including lung function and nutritional status—are rising nationwide across the Foundation’s care center network. Improved lung function and nutrition leads to added years of life.
Overall, the median predicted age of survival for those with CF has more than doubled in the past 25 years to age 37.
“We’re honored to be selected by the Alliance as a successful quality improvement program and are glad that our best practices may help children receive better care in diverse settings across the country,” said Bruce Marshall, MD, vice president of clinical affairs for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “We look forward to working with the Alliance partners to promote better care for all children who face life-threatening diseases.”
A free webinar, highlighting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s quality improvement program and results, is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Additional information is available at www.kidsquality.org.
About The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to curing and controlling cystic fibrosis. The Foundation has more than 80 chapters and branch offices throughout the country and supports and accredits a nationwide network of 115 care centers. Virtually every approved CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support.
About the Alliance for Pediatric Quality
The Alliance for Pediatric Quality is a national collaboration of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA) and the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI). Together, these organizations and their members are bringing about immediate, measurable change in the quality of care provided to children.
Media Contacts
- Laurie Fink, Director of Media Relations: (301) 841-2602; lfink@cff.org
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