Quality and Patient Safety
Sexual Abuse Helpline for Columbia University: Operated by RAINN
As part of our ongoing commitment to support survivors, Columbia has worked with RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, to establish a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for survivors, their loved ones, and others seeking assistance. The trauma-informed helpline specialists offer support in English and en Español through telephone, chat, text, and WhatsApp.
Sustained Improvements to Patient Safety
The University has made significant investments to strengthen patient safety since Hadden last saw patients in 2012. The University has implemented best-in-class protocols and proceduresto ensure all patients are provided with a safe and respectful environment. The foundation of this work is the expansion and strengthening of patient safety systems, including visible and easily accessible ways for patients and staff to report concerns and misconduct along with rigorous tracking of all concerns and complaints to ensure coordinated evaluation and responses.
The University’s patient safety commitments include, among other things:
- clearly stated chaperone policies and requirements in alignment with our health system partner, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- further expanded, trauma-informed training for designated medical chaperones as well as all patient-facing staff
- strengthened mandatory reporting and anti-retaliation language in our policies and training
- guidance for patients about sensitive appointments and clear information about relevant policies provided in advance of appointments
- proactive communication to patients of information about reporting misconduct, and
- expanded board-level oversight of our sexual misconduct policies as it relates to ColumbiaDoctors and our patients
CUIMC’s Sexual Misconduct Allegation Response Team (SMART) also operates to ensure that sexual misconduct allegations are addressed and investigated immediately, in close coordination with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and in accordance with nationwide best practices, including trauma-informed care standards.
CUIMC is utilizing a new professionalism tool, developed at the Vanderbilt University Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, to identify medical provider behavior that is not consistent with a culture of safety and respect and intervene accordingly. The Patient Advocacy Reporting System (“PARS”) and the Co-Worker Observation Reporting System (“CORS”) incorporate data about both patient and co-worker concerns and compares that data to data from peer institutions, serving as an early-warning system to identify professionalism or patient safety concerns.
Additionally, we have established a new Center for Patient Safety Science to develop, research, and test innovative strategies for improving patient safety and health outcomes, and we are conducting research to improve the safety of healthcare delivery across the country. Collectively, all these efforts position CUIMC as a national leader in advancing patient safety standards and best practices for health systems across the country.
Updated 3/10/2026