Implementing Quality First Successfully

Name:		Mrs. Euggle Robertson
Title:		Executive Director
Organization:		Bristol Village Homes
Location:		660 E. 5th St., Waverly, OH, 45690
Phone:		740-947-2118
E-mail:		Erobertson@ncrccd.org

What was the "spark" that got your organization involved in QF?
Our parent organization, National Church Residences' (NCR) commitment to Quality First.

Where/how did you learn about QF?
I learned about Quality First at one of NCR's corporate operations monthly meetings.

Describe the process of getting your Board's support for QF.
In 2003, we placed Quality First on the board's agenda and it was easily approved.

Have you reviewed the information on the QF Web site?
YES, The areas and examples for community involvement were helpful.

If HELPFUL, explain how.
I did not have to reinvent the process. In fact, I used the AAHSA Quality First 10 Elements of Quality as the basis for Bristol Village's 2005 "10 Point Plan." For each element, I listed four to eight action items with a specific time period to be completed. Several of these action items were ideas I saw on the Quality First Web site.

Does your organization have a Quality First leader?
The executive director leads our Quality First program.

If your organization completed the QF Self-Study, was it helpful?
When we met with focus groups and during strategic planning, the self-study was a framework that helped us develop our "10 Point Plan for the Future." For example, in the commitment phase of this plan, we reviewed the goals of Quality First along with our self-study results to see if our organization was aligned with the program.

Has your organization developed an action plan to focus on improvements in one or more of the Quality First Elements of Quality?
We surveyed the community and then did focus groups to determine what our priorities should be for our strategic planning process. As I mentioned above, we used the Quality First 10 Elements of Quality as a model for categorizing these goals and found ideas in Quality First resources for ways to develop action items based on these elements.

What has been the most beneficial aspect of QF for your organization?
The growing awareness of the surrounding community and southern Ohio about our organization and our commitment to quality.

What has been the most challenging aspect of QF for your organization?
Getting on the Web site and staying current with the program.

Would you say that you have been able to integrate QF into your ongoing operations, or is it viewed as "something else to do"?
When we do strategic planning and focus groups, we use Quality First as the guide for these programs. By using the Elements of Quality as the guidelines for our goal setting process, we hope to achieve quality in all parts of our organization.

What type of care and/or services does your organization provide (select all that apply):
NURSING HOME
ASSISTED LIVING
INDEPENDENT LIVING
HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES

Members have voiced several reasons for not signing the QF Covenant, including: We already run a quality organization; we don't want to expose ourselves to greater liability; we can't afford it; we're too busy. What would you say to encourage these members to sign the QF Covenant?
It is another way to show the community and residents that they are in a quality organization. It is also the best way to keep everyone focused on our organization's priorities.