Implementing Quality First Successfully

Name:		Jerry Kuyoth
Title:		C.O.O.
Organization:		National Church Residences Health Care
Location:		Columbus, OH
Phone:		614-273-3388
E-mail:		jkuyoth@ncrccd.org

What was the "spark" that got your organization involved in QF?
The program's endorsement by AAHSA.

Where/how did you learn about QF?
I received an e-mail about the program.

Describe the process of getting your Board's support for QF.
The board learned about Quality First through a presentation and supported it because they realized NCR and the aging services field's services called for it.

Have you reviewed the information on the QF Web site?
YES — The level of detail and accessibility of the web site made it an important resource for us.

Does your organization have a Quality First leader … an individual or committee?
The C.O.O. is the current Quality First leader.

What has been the involvement of each of the following with QF in your organization? Who, for instance, has been informed about QF? Who has completed the Self-Study/Providers' Checklist? Who has reviewed the results of the Self-Study/Checklist? Who has implemented QF?

CEO — The CEO knows about Quality First, completed and evaluated the Self-Study and is working to implement the program.
ADMINISTRATOR — The administrator knows about Quality First and evaluated the Self-Study and helps to implement the program.
MANAGEMENT STAFF — Managers know about Quality First.
OTHER STAFF — Staff knows about Quality First.
GOVERNING BOARD — The board, residents and clients know about Quality First.
RESIDENTS/CLIENTS

If your organization completed the QF Self-Study, was it helpful?
Yes, because it allowed us to survey all board members and managers.

If your organization completed the QF Providers' Checklist, was it helpful?
Yes, it showed where we excel as well as where we need to improve.

Has your organization done anything to get public recognition (with your residents/clients; consumers; policymakers; media) for your Quality First accomplishments.
We have posted the covenant throughout our facility and the corporate offices.

What has been the most beneficial aspect of QF for your organization?
Quality First helped improved brand recognition and management knowledge.

What has been the most challenging aspect of QF for your organization?
Making it a part of daily operations.

Would you say that you have been able to integrate QF into your ongoing operations, or is it viewed as "something else to do"?
It is something else to do, but it is also essential to developing our field.