How eCUSP Works

eCUSP manages improvement initiatives at any level, and does not require modification of existing organizational programs. In fact, it will support and enhance those programs. eCUSP may be implemented to support the six stages associated with the original CUSP program, which facilitates the effort to create a culture of safety.

eCUSP is web-based software, accessible from any internet-connected computer, and requires little to no IT involvement from its members.

The core of the eCUSP Program is process management from the identification of a quality/safety issue, to the creation of a project working to resolve the issue, to the development of a shared story or a publishable report from which others can learn.

eCUSP is setup by Working Units, which are subsets of a health care organization as deemed relevant by the organization. A Unit might be a pediatric ward, a post-surgical ICU, an ED, or a higher-level department such as the QI, Safety, PI or Risk department. Each Working Unit that is set up in eCUSP is referred to as a Program. Program users may include everyone involved in providing care within that unit, from physicians to nurses, to executive, to administrative clerks, to supporting staff. All Program information generated is private to only those users allowed access to the Program as defined by the member organization. For a closer look at how eCUSP is setup and managed by participating member organizations, please review the following:  eCUSP Setup, Structure, Roles & Capabilities. eCUSP is helpful in assisting with the removal of hierarchy within an organization, centering organizational focus on quality improvement and patient safety. Everyone is asked to identify new quality/safety suggestions, ideas or concerns, and is provided the opportunity to review and/or lead initiatives (via Projects). Once a Program and its participant's role have been established, the Program Leader(s) will monitor assignments and control the flow of data throughout the Program, setting up projects, resolving issues, and maintaining accountability for the Program's progress. eCUSP has an underlying notification system, via email and memo, sending specific prompts that describe the requirements of its users, such as the notification of a new issue, the assignment of a project leader, the beginning of a project task, etc. The six stages of the original CUSP program that are supported and included with eCUSP: • the filling out of a cultural survey at the beginning and end of a cycle (for up to 100 unit staff members) • the viewing of multi-media educational materials • the identification of patient safety & quality Issues • the organizing of Patient Safety Committees, including a senior executive, to prioritize and respond to the unit's issues • the administrating of improvement efforts, via Projects • the documenting of results and proliferation of Shared Stories Organizations have the option to modify the requirements of their Programs to meet their needs. At its core, eCUSP focuses on the collection of safety and quality Issues, followed by the management and reporting of Projects that are created to resolve Issues, and culminating in the creation of a report (including Project analysis), which is called a Shared Story. Contact us now for a demonstration, to ask additional questions or to get access to our sample program.