NURS FPX 6016 Assessment 2 Quality Improvement Initiative Evaluation

Name: Capella University
Instructor’s name
October 2023

Homework: Quality Improvement Initiative Evaluation

In the world of healthcare, where patient well-being and safety are paramount, continuous quality improvement is a vital pursuit. This assessment embarks on a comprehensive journey of analysis, evaluation, and enhancement within a healthcare setting.

Specifically, it focuses on a critical event—a near-miss due to a medication administration error at Vila Healthcare Hospital. The objective is to delve deep into the scenario, unearthing its root causes and implications, while also identifying areas ripe for improvement to fortify patient safety and diminish the risk of recurrence. This examination delves into a multifaceted Quality Improvement (QI) initiative, which takes into account divergent data, perspectives, and interprofessional viewpoints. By addressing systemic vulnerabilities through technology enhancements, staff training, and a culture of open communication, this initiative aspires to erect a healthcare environment better equipped to prevent medication errors and near misses, thus upholding a commitment to the highest standards of patient care.

Current Quality Improvement Initiative in Healthcare Setting

Analyzing the current quality improvement initiative in a healthcare setting, it is evident that while many hospitals and healthcare organizations have taken significant steps to improve patient safety, knowledge gaps and uncertainties still exist. One prominent area of uncertainty is the long-term impact of these initiatives. While many hospitals invest in technology enhancements, staff training, and protocol development, it remains unclear how effective these initiatives are in preventing adverse events or near misses in the long run (Glasheen et al., 2022). More data and research are needed to assess the sustained impact of these quality improvement efforts. This information could provide valuable insights into whether these initiatives are achieving their intended goals and where further adjustments may be necessary (Glasheen et al., 2022).

Furthermore, there is a notable knowledge gap regarding the optimal balance between technology and human factors in patient safety. Healthcare organizations often rely on technology solutions, such as electronic health record systems and automated dispensing systems, to enhance patient safety (Cícero et al., 2023). However, the interplay between technology and human factors, particularly in high-pressure healthcare environments, is not well understood. Further research is required to identify the most effective integration of technology and human workflows, ensuring that technology complements, rather than hinders, healthcare professionals’ ability to provide safe patient care (Cícero et al., 2023). By addressing these knowledge gaps and uncertainties, healthcare organizations can refine their quality improvement initiatives to better align with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry and the patients they serve.

Evaluation of Success of Quality Improvement Initiative

The benchmarks and measures, typically established by authoritative bodies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or The Joint Commission, serve as the gold standard for assessing the quality of care provided by healthcare organizations. Assumptions underlying this evaluation include the belief that these benchmarks are valid indicators of healthcare quality, safety, and effectiveness (Ahmed Ilyas, 2022).

However, it is essential to recognize that the success of a quality improvement initiative is not solely dependent on meeting these benchmarks. While they are crucial for ensuring a minimum standard of care, healthcare organizations may strive for excellence beyond the minimum requirements. Moreover, the assumption that meeting these benchmarks equates to comprehensive quality improvement can be misleading. An initiative may achieve compliance with certain benchmarks while still facing issues or challenges in other aspects of patient care (Ahmed Ilyas, 2022). Therefore, the analysis of success must consider both the positive outcomes achieved by meeting benchmarks and the broader context of overall patient safety, satisfaction, and outcomes. This comprehensive evaluation approach ensures that healthcare organizations continuously strive to improve their quality of care beyond mere compliance with established standards.

Inter-professional Perspectives

Incorporating interprofessional perspectives into the evaluation of a quality improvement initiative provides a more holistic understanding of its functionality and outcomes. Healthcare involves a diverse team of professionals, each with their unique roles and responsibilities, and their perspectives are vital in assessing the impact of an initiative. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and administrators all play distinct roles in delivering care. Their input is valuable in assessing how well the initiative functions in the context of these diverse roles and responsibilities (Vaseghi et al., 2022).

Moreover, interprofessional perspectives shed light on areas of uncertainty and knowledge gaps. These professionals, with their varied expertise, can identify nuances, challenges, and complexities that may not be apparent when analyzing the initiative from a single perspective. They can pinpoint areas where further information is needed to gain a more complete understanding of the initiative’s functionality and outcomes (Vaseghi et al., 2022). This insight can lead to targeted data collection and research efforts to fill these knowledge gaps and resolve uncertainties.

To gain a more complete understanding of the initiative’s functionality and outcomes, collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals are essential. Interprofessional teams can assess the initiative’s implementation in real-world clinical settings and identify potential barriers or facilitators to its success (Vaseghi et al., 2022). This collaborative approach also helps in collecting a wide range of data, such as patient outcomes, satisfaction, and adherence to clinical guidelines. By bringing together these various perspectives, healthcare organizations can create a more comprehensive and informed evaluation of their quality improvement initiatives, ultimately leading to improved patient care.

Additional Indicators and Protocols

One important indicator to consider is patient satisfaction, measured through standardized surveys such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). The pros of this recommendation include a patient-centric approach that focuses on improving the healthcare experience. When patients are satisfied with their care, they are more likely to trust the healthcare system and follow treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes (Jun et al., 2020). Additionally, high patient satisfaction scores can boost an institution’s reputation and competitiveness, potentially attracting more patients and improving financial performance. However, the cons may involve resource allocation to survey administration and potential survey biases (Jun et al., 2020). To address these cons, organizations can use technology to streamline survey processes and work on minimizing bias through culturally sensitive survey design and administration.

Another valuable indicator to incorporate is healthcare disparities. Tracking disparities in healthcare outcomes among different demographic groups, such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, can help identify areas needing improvement (Brown et al., 2019). Pros of this recommendation include a commitment to health equity and the potential to reduce disparities in care. By collecting and analyzing data on healthcare disparities, organizations can gain insights into which patient populations are most vulnerable and in need of targeted interventions (Brown et al., 2019). However, the cons might entail the need for additional data collection and analysis, which can be resource-intensive. Furthermore, addressing systemic factors contributing to healthcare disparities may require complex, multifaceted interventions. Organizations must be prepared to allocate resources and implement policy changes to mitigate disparities effectively.

Expanding the initiative to include the evaluation of healthcare costs and resource utilization can provide a holistic view of care quality (Specchia et al., 2019). Cost-effectiveness indicators can help ensure that quality improvements do not lead to increased financial burdens for patients, payers, or healthcare systems. Pros include the optimization of healthcare spending and resource allocation, which can result in more sustainable, efficient care delivery. Nevertheless, the cons might involve complexities in data collection, as gathering detailed cost and resource utilization data can be challenging. Additionally, there may be concerns about prioritizing cost over patient outcomes, so organizations must strike a balance that promotes cost-effectiveness while maintaining a strong focus on quality care (Specchia et al., 2019). Implementing these recommendations should be approached with a clear understanding of their potential benefits and challenges, making informed decisions to enhance healthcare outcomes and patient experiences while managing costs effectively.

Conclusion

This assessment has thoroughly explored a critical healthcare event—a near-miss involving a medication administration error. By dissecting the event’s root causes, implications, and quality improvement opportunities, we have unveiled a roadmap for enhancing patient safety and healthcare quality. The multifaceted Quality Improvement (QI) initiative, guided by interprofessional perspectives, strives to fortify the healthcare system through technology enhancements, staff training, and an open communication culture. However, success depends on addressing knowledge gaps and uncertainties, and the evaluation process should adhere to recognized benchmarks. While there are potential challenges and risks in these endeavors, the commitment to safeguarding patient well-being remains paramount, making these initiatives an indispensable part of the ongoing healthcare quality improvement journey.                                                           

References

Ahmed Ilyas, S. (2022). Performance measurement of hospital: Strategies to achieve gold standards. International Journal of Scientific Research, 49–50. https://doi.org/10.36106/ijsr/4525790 

Brown, V., Cataldo, J., Shaw, T., & Collins, S. (2019). Review of strategies to address social determinants of health and health disparities to improve health outcomes. Social Determinants of Health, 5(3), 207–215. https://doi.org/10.22037/sdh.v5i3.25413 

Cícero, L., Silva, & Eduardo. (2023). Improving patient safety using technology. Revista Gênero E Interdisciplinaridade, 4(02), 173–183. https://doi.org/10.51249/gei.v4i02.1324 

Glasheen, J. J., Cumbler, E., Hyman, D., Kneeland, P., Armstrong, G., Caffrey, S., Wiler, J., Fuhlbrigge, A., Jones, D., & Pierce, R. G. (2022). The institute for health care quality, safety, and efficiency. American Journal of Medical Quality, 37(2), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.jmq.0000753244.65493.a4 

Jun, J., Stern, K., & Djukic, M. (2020). Integrative review of the interventions for improving patients’ experiences revealed in quality improvement projects. Journal of Patient Experience, 7(6), 882–892. https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373520925271 

Specchia, M. L., Arcuri, G., Di Pilla, A., Ricciardi, G., & Bellantone, R. (2019). Healthcare costs and outcomes: A value-based assessment tool for Clinical Governance. European Journal of Public Health, 29(Supplement_4). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.618 

Vaseghi, F., Yarmohammadian, M. H., & Raeisi, A. (2022). Interprofessional collaboration competencies in the health system: A systematic review. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 27(6), 496–504. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_476_21