List date(s) this work was published or aired.
14-Aug-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
In May, 2012, the federal government agreed to give Oregon nearly $2 billion to support changes in the way the state delivers health care to low income people. Oregon’s Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber, a physician, had personally lobbied the Obama administration for the waiver that would allow Oregon to spend Medicaid money in new ways. That shift put Oregon at the forefront of health care reform. Kristian Foden-Vencil has been covering policy changes to the state’s health care system. He has a knack for humanizing complex policy stories. These stories explain the changing health care landscape. He received training as part of a partnership with OPB, National Public Radio and Kaiser Health News. Many of his stories have been picked up by NPR. One of the goals of national health care reform is to reduce medical mistakes. This story looks at how one local hospital is trying to accomplish that goal, by improving procedures for things like central lines.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
na
Explain types of human sources used.
Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center staff, director of quality for Oregon Association of Hospitals, citizen member of an Oregon Health Care Acquired Infection Advisory Committee, whose husband contracted a blood infection in the hospital that left him disabled.
Results:
na
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
na
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Hospitals are very nervous about allowing reporters to come into their facilities to talk about mistakes. They don’t like it. But by building a reputation for honesty, accuracy and balance, public relations staff will eventually allow you in — if you persevere.