In this era of health care reform, we all recognize that we’ve got to do things differently, and it’s our job to ask ourselves how we can do better and bring enhanced value to patients. New payment models and their associated incentives are inspiring us to look for untapped opportunities to improve health care delivery and value, while embracing the best evidence-based medicine.

Our cover story on better blood management is a shining example. Although there had been eight randomized trials demonstrating no clear benefit to giving two units of blood instead of one to stable, nonbleeding adults, most staff members weren’t aware of those findings. So Steve Frank and the Blood Management Clinical Community got to work, educating different departments throughout Johns Hopkins’ five hospitals. Then they added a computer-based reminder that pops up when a staff member orders blood for a patient not fitting the normal parameters. The result? Blood usage already has dropped at our hospitals, saving over $1 million.

Embracing change also requires a commitment to accountability. I’m pleased to welcome two new leaders to Johns Hopkins who bring different skill sets to help us accomplish our goals. Robert Kasdin, a powerhouse from Columbia, has been recruited as Johns Hopkins Medicine’s first senior vice president and chief operating officer. He brings a wealth of experience from other fields, and we look forward to his applying that knowledge in the execution of our Strategic Plan and other initiatives. Laura Herrera Scott, whom some of you may know from her work with the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, has joined Johns Hopkins HealthCare in the new role of medical director of population health and community health programs, where she can share her talents as we work to better integrate care delivery and engage local communities.

The Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality recently launched a patient safety and quality website through which our patients can learn more about our performance scores and commitment to quality of care and the patient experience.

I look forward to continuing to share our best practices in future issues.