June 29, 2001

Throughout the MGH, new possibilities take shape each day. From inventive surgical procedures to methods of increasing patient comfort and convenience, MGHers' ideas for improvements share two common qualities: creativity and compassion. Because of the Making A Difference grant program, several employees and departments are seeing their ideas put into action.

Previously known as Service MGH, the program was re-launched this past fall. "Thanks to funding from the MGH and the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization [MGPO], we once again are able to support the implementation of new and exciting staff initiatives," explains Mary Cunningham, director of the MGH Service Improvement Program.

MGHers offered an enthusiastic response to the program: 54 grant applications were received from 34 areas throughout the hospital. Cunningham and her colleagues established a grant selection team, comprised of employees from around the hospital, who examined proposals and decided how best to distribute the program's $50,000 allocation. "Our framework for reviewing the applications was to try to see them through the patients' eyes," says Cunningham.

Applicants were asked to describe the nature of a situation they saw at the MGH, to present possible solutions and to prepare a suggested budget for implementing those solutions. The proposals were divided into six categories: physical comfort, continuity/ transition, family involvement, information/ education, emotional support and environment/amenities.

While the program only was able to fund 13 proposals, the committee worked to assist some applicants in finding alternate funding for their projects. Joan Sapir, vice president for MGH/MGPO Customer Service and Practice Support, says: "All of the proposals were excellent and reflected tremendous creativity and commitment. It was very difficult to pare down the list." Ten proposals also were wait-listed for consideration next year.

The 13 funded proposals represent a wide spectrum of ideas for improved patient care. Among the projects slated for action are Palliative Care's development and implementation of a bereavement program; Thoracic Surgery's production of a patient education video about the discharge process; and distribution of flu medication packets for Medical Walk-in patients who would otherwise be unable to afford it. "Sometimes all it takes is a little support," Cunningham says. "It is so rewarding to see what MGH employees can do." For more information about the grant program, call (617) 724-1004.