2026 Innovation in Patient Safety & Quality Award: Long-Term Care & Support Team, Petersburg Medical Center

Petersburg Medical Center's Long-Term Care unit demonstrates how a small rural healthcare organization can achieve meaningful improvements in patient safety, quality of care, resident autonomy, and workforce stability through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to resident-centered care.

The facility, that serves up to 15 residents, has an interdisciplinary team that has implemented multiple initiatives over the past year that have produced measurable improvements in resident outcomes and quality of life.

Key Initiatives

During the past year, PMC Long-Term Care implemented several innovations that have improved resident safety, access to care, and quality of life, including:

• Implementation of a comprehensive polypharmacy reduction initiative utilizing STOPP-START criteria In 2025, PMC Long-Term Care launched a comprehensive medication optimization initiative with the support of an additional consultant pharmacist to address the risks associated with polypharmacy—including medication interactions, adverse effects, falls, hospitalization, frailty, and increased mortality. The initiative ultimately strengthened medication safety practices, reduced unnecessary medication burden, and promoted more individualized treatment plans for residents.

• Expansion of behavioral health services through telehealth and in-person psychiatric care Access to behavioral health services remains a significant challenge throughout rural Alaska. To address this gap, PMC expanded both telehealth and in-person psychiatric services for Long-Term Care residents.  Residents now have improved access to psychiatric evaluations, medication management, counseling services, and behavioral health support without the disruption and stress of traveling outside the community.  Telehealth-based therapy services have further expanded access to these specialized services; 37% of residents have utilized these enhanced offerings in the last year.

• Deployment of VSTOne, a new technology-based fall prevention monitoring system

  Falls remain one of the most significant safety risks facing long-term care residents. PMC’s Information Technology Department partnered with clinical staff to implement a new fall-prevention monitoring system, VSTOne, to enhance awareness of resident movement and potential fall risk, allowing staff to intervene earlier and more effectively.

• Creation of a Mobility Technician program

  Maintaining mobility is essential for preserving independence, reducing fall risk, and enhancing quality of life, yet staff noticed that some residents were reluctant to consistently participate in prescribed home exercise programs. In response, PMC's Rehabilitation Department created an innovative Mobility Technician program. A dedicated mobility technician, trained and supervised by rehabilitation professionals, works directly with residents five days per week to assist with individualized exercise programs. As a result, residents saw a 36% increase in frequency of participation, with an average increase of 17 minutes per resident per week. By promoting consistent exercise, strengthening, and mobility activities, the program supports functional independence, reduces deconditioning, and contributes to safer resident outcomes.

• Building a Sustainable Long-Term Care Workforce PMC’s successful "Grow Your Own" Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program provides opportunities for local residents, high school students, and existing employees to enter healthcare careers and remain in Petersburg. Eight participants have completed the training in the last 18 months; five are now certified nurse assistants and three take their exams next month. The Registered Nurse (RN) development program started its first University of Alaska (UAA) cohort in 2017 and has graduated 12 RNs, 11 of which were hired by PMC. By creating pathways into healthcare careers, PMC is strengthening continuity of care, reducing workforce disruption, and cultivating caregivers who are deeply connected to the community and committed to serving local elders.

• Supporting Successful Transitions to Long-Term Care To reduce crisis-driven placements, PMC uses a proactive, interdisciplinary approach—integrating Home Health, Hospital Services, Primary Care, Rehab, Long-Term Care, Patient Navigation, and Billing. By identifying potential long-term care needs early, PMC allows families time to plan collaboratively before urgent placement is required.PMC's Patient Navigator program integrates financial planning and payer navigation to help individuals and families understand available services, eligibility requirements, and care pathways while connecting them with community resources and support. A Certified Medicaid Planner is on staff to assist families with Medicaid eligibility, application processes, long-term care funding options, and asset protection strategies. By making this information available to the broader community, PMC empowers individuals and families to engage in thoughtful planning and better navigate future healthcare transitions.

• Enhancing Resident Choice Through Dining Services Recognizing that dining experiences are among the most important contributors to quality of life in long-term care, PMC's Dietary Department implemented an in-person meal ordering process focused on resident choice and autonomy, promoting dignity, independence, satisfaction, and a more personalized care experience. This resident-centered approach helps ensure nutritional needs are met while allowing dining experiences to reflect personal choice rather than institutional routine.

• Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges Through Teamwork Providing safe, high-quality care within an aging facility presents ongoing challenges. Through proactive maintenance, rapid response to operational concerns, and close collaboration with clinical departments, PMC's Facilities and Maintenance Department has played an essential role in supporting resident safety, regulatory compliance, and uninterrupted care delivery.

• A Culture of Continuous Quality Improvement The interdisciplinary Long-Term Care Quality Committee embraces ongoing quality improvement through routine review of quality indicators, safety metrics, resident satisfaction data, regulatory requirements, and operational performance measures. Their approach ensures that quality improvement extends beyond direct patient care and reflects the shared responsibility of every employee in creating a safe and supportive environment for residents.

AHHA is honored to present Petersburg's Long-Term Care & Support Team with the 2026 Innovation in Patient Safety & Quality Award for their accomplishments, organizational culture, and multidisciplinary approach that places resident safety and resident-centered care at the center of every decision.