Quality & Safety of Patient Care
We aim to provide safe, high-quality care. Learn more about our performance so you can make informed care decisions for yourself and your family.
At UCSF Health, our goal is to provide safe care of the highest quality to all our patients. To help ourselves meet this goal, we track objective measures of our performance, comparing them with those of other top medical centers nationwide as well as our own high standards. No matter how well we measure up, we continually seek ways to improve.
We define high-quality care as:
- Effective. Care is based on scientific evidence and provided to all who could benefit.
- Safe. Avoids harm to patients.
- Timely. Limits waiting and delays for both those who receive and those who give care.
- Equitable. Care doesn't vary in quality due to the patient's personal characteristics, such as gender and ethnicity.
Awards & recognition
Ranked among the best
We're one of the nation's top hospitals for adult care, according to U.S. News & World Report – one of just 22 hospitals to earn this distinction.
Top specialty care
We're ranked among the 10 best hospitals nationwide – as well as the best in Northern California – for seven medical specialties.
Five-star ratingOpens in a new window
We received 5 out of 5 stars for quality, safety and patient experience from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Gold seal of approvalOpens in a new window
Our commitment to safe high-quality care has earned us the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission, the nation's largest health care accrediting organization.
Top performer for qualityOpens in a new window
We're named a top performer for health care safety, efficacy and equity by Vizient, another third-party organization that assesses hospital performance.
Top honors for quality and safetyOpens in a new window
Our commitment to protecting patients earned UCSF Health an "A" in patient safety from the Leapfrog Group for our hospitals at Parnassus, Mission Bay and St. Mary's. Leapfrog also recognized Parnassus, Mission Bay and Mount Zion as "top hospitals."
Excellence in nursing
Since 2012, we've achieved Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which is awarded for nursing excellence, high-quality care and innovations in nursing practice.
The patient experience
What our patients are saying
UCSF Health was among the first medical centers in the nation to conduct patient experience surveys. We use the results to evaluate how we're doing, track our progress in enhancing care and identify opportunities for improvement.
Patient safety: How you can help
Your safety is our top priority, and we have many measures in place to protect you during a medical visit or hospital stay. However, no system is error-proof. With a few simple steps, you can help us prevent medical errors.
Our performance by the numbers
You have many choices of where to go for health care. We believe medical centers should be transparent about their performance so that patients and their families can make informed decisions.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections
Learn how our care teams work together to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), a common infection in the hospital.
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections
You may need a central line as part of your care plan. Learn how our care teams work to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs).
Fall Prevention
Surgery, certain medications and changes in vision can increase your fall risk. We work closely with patients and families to reduce falls.
Hand Hygiene
We are committed to protecting patients from infection through hand hygiene compliance.
Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries
A pressure injury, or bedsore, can develop when you have limited mobility. Here's how our care teams reduce hospital-acquired pressure injuries.
Ventilator-Associated Events
Patients who need a mechanical ventilator are at risk for ventilator-associated events (VAEs). Learn how we work to reduce VAEs and prevent infections.
Caring for the whole person
Good care goes beyond diagnosis and treatment. Our patients have access to many services designed to support their overall well-being – in mind, body and spirit.
Case Management and Social Work
Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.
Interpreting Services
UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.
Patient Relations
We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.
Spiritual Care at UCSF
Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.
“At UCSF Health, our success is measured not only by the number of lives we save but also by the confidence our patients and their families place in us to provide high-quality care.”
Quality and safety at our children's hospitals
