KHA recognized seven hospitals and one health system for their outstanding achievements in quality improvement during its Annual Quality Conference this week.
Each year, KHA’s Quality Awards highlight innovative programs and measurable outcomes that are improving patient care across the Commonwealth. This year’s recipients represent a wide range of hospital types, united by a shared commitment to delivering safer, more effective, and more patient-centered care.
Mercy Health – Marcum and Wallace Hospital was honored in the Critical Access Hospital category for its comprehensive Transitional Care Model, designed to strengthen coordination and improve outcomes for high-risk patients in a rural community. The program produced measurable results, including a four percent increase in kept post-discharge appointments, a four percent reduction in readmissions, a five percent decrease in rescheduled visits, and significant improvements in patient experience.
In the Acute Care Hospital category (fewer than 100 beds), UofL Health – South Hospital was recognized for its innovative “Debrief after the Debrief” initiative. This enhancement to traditional post-fall reviews deepens learning, strengthens accountability, and elevates patient safety. Since its launch in January 2025, the initiative has reduced fall rates from 5.8 to 4.3 per 1,000 patient days, improved documentation reliability, and developed stronger interdisciplinary engagement.
Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, winner in the Acute Care Hospital category (100–250 beds), was recognized for achieving American College of Cardiology (ACC) Heart Failure Accreditation with outpatient services. The designation places the hospital among only five in Kentucky to hold this distinction, reflecting a high standard of care for heart failure patients.
In the Acute Care Hospital category (more than 250 beds), Pikeville Medical Center earned recognition for significant advancements in SEP-1 Sepsis Bundle compliance and patient outcomes. By establishing a dedicated Sepsis Quality Team and collaborating with its Antibiotic Stewardship Team, the hospital increased compliance from 68% to 88% in seven months and boosted sepsis order set utilization from 38% to 84%. These efforts contributed to earning The Joint Commission’s Sepsis Disease-Specific Certification.
RiverValley Behavioral Health was honored in the Freestanding Psychiatric Hospital category for developing and implementing the BIRCH program — Building Confidence, Inspiring Hope, Recognizing Strengths, Cultivating Connections, and Healing Together. The program represents a transformative redesign of inpatient psychiatric care for Kentucky’s most clinically complex and high-acuity youth, a population that has historically been underserved.
In the Freestanding Rehabilitation Hospital category, UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute was recognized for implementing an innovative patient observation hand hygiene survey tool. By empowering patients to discreetly observe and report on hand hygiene practices, the program provided valuable insights that strengthened infection prevention efforts, supported targeted education, and enhanced patient engagement.
Continuing Care Hospital, winner in the Long-Term Acute Care Hospital category, was recognized for a focused, three-pronged strategy to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The initiative included reducing device days through daily necessity reviews, enhancing CHG bathing protocols, and introducing a peripheral blood culture diversion device to improve diagnostic accuracy. These efforts demonstrated that sustained CLABSI reduction is achievable even in high-acuity settings.
In the Hospital System category, CHI Saint Joseph Health was recognized for its Operational Excellence Program, launched over the past two years to address inefficiencies, reduce unnecessary expenses, and improve quality and patient safety. The program combines front-line engagement, active executive leadership, and community feedback to drive sustainable, system-wide improvement.
