About The Oliver Center
What We Do
The Carolyn J Oliver, MD Center for Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare was dedicated in 2008 with the intent of promoting patient centered care. Patient centered care addresses the needs and wants of patients and their families.
There are four (4) guiding virtues to the center:
Innovation - To be leaders in the field of healthcare delivery, those who do not race ahead will fall behind. Success in effective healthcare delivery requires a two pronged approach. Long standing strategies should be evaluated and implemented and novel concepts should be fostered and explored
Patient empowerment - Multidisciplinary teams are crucial to quality healthcare. Patients and their families are key members of the healthcare team. Only through their cooperation and assistance can true healing take place. Patients and their families must be active members of the healthcare team.
Communication - A well integrated team has effective communication and synergy amongst the members. Clarity is only achieved through questions and an open and honest exchange of ideas and feelings.
Respect - Every effective team or organization is built on these virtues. Physician, nurse, pharmacy technician, transportation assistant, patient and family member are all integral members of the healthcare team. Success is only ensured if all members feel valued and respected.
Dr. Carolyn J Oliver made this center possible. Her convictions and passion in patient safety are born from her training and personal experience. The center will support and coordinate projects throughout UTMB to maximize patient safety and improve the quality of care.
News
National Public Health Week is coming and The Oliver Center wants to promote healthy habits. See the American Public Health Association's website for more information, and check out this "Speak Up" video from the Joint Commission.
The Oliver Center has awarded Dr. Rana Bonds a one-year grant to test the implementation of a program where patient's are videotaped practicing using their medical devices, sent home with those videos, and reminded regularly to watch them. We hope this expanded patient education will help patients comply with treatment and properly administer their important medications.
In partnership with the Cautious Patient Foundation the Oliver Center has started a pilot project with the Departments of Hematology/Oncology and Family Medicine to try the service "Your Doctor's Advice" with current UTMB patients.
In May 2009, the Oliver Center provided funding to the Department of Hematology/Oncology to provide digital recorders for UTMB patients who are receiving cancer treatment. Read more...