Provide names of other journalists involved.
Richard Halicks edited the stories
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
6/12/2011 8/21/2011 11/27/2011 12/4/2011
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The entry includes stories from the AJC’s “Danger in our hospitals” series and its “Physician in Transition” series. The first series analyzed CMS patient safety data and discovered shortcomings in some highly-regarded Atlanta hospitals. The second series looked beyond the debate of the health care law and explained in detail the changes already occuring in the health care delivery system — especially changes in how doctors practice medicine.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
The “Danger in Our Hospital” series was based on an analysis of data obtained from CMS. State public records requests were used to gather information for the August story that compared Georgia to other states regarding disclosure requirements for hospital-acquired infections.
Explain types of human sources used.
For the patient satefy data, we conducted numerous interviews with national experts, local hospitals, doctors and patients. For the Physician In Transition series we spent hours with doctors, hospital administrators and patients.
Results:
The patient safety story prompted lawmakers to pledge to do more to require disclosure of infection rates in Georgia. It also prompted many readers to contact the newspaper to share emotional stories about loved ones harmed or killed by hospital infections and errors. The Physician in Transition series prompted a large and emotional response from patients and doctors, who expressed their feelings about the coming changes.
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.
No corrections or clarifications
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Dig deep! Interview people in person. Understand the data.