Quality improvement problems

Sample Solution

    Problem: Medication Reconciliation Errors Best Practices or Recommended Guidelines: The Joint Commission recommends that healthcare organizations ensure the accuracy of medication reconciliation by following specific processes and procedures. These include obtaining an accurate list of medications taken prior to hospital admission;

scanning all existing orders at least daily; reviewing current medications with patient, family members, and/or caregivers; verifying accuracy of medication history against review of systems used for data collection (e.g., electronic medical records); assessing risks associated with changes to treatments/medications both during and after hospital stays; implementing procedures for reconciling discrepancies between pre-admission medications and those prescribed in the emergency department or subsequent departments within the health system; developing strategies to educate patients on their own responsibilities related to medication reconciliation; establishing protocols for follow-up after discharge regarding medication discrepancy resolution, etc. (Joint Commission, 2020). Financial Impact: Medication errors have a significant financial impact on the organization due to costs related to readmissions and unplanned care resulting from adverse drug events. In addition, these errors can have serious consequences on patient safety including increased morbidity and mortality. Patients also may incur additional costs if they are required to receive additional testing as a result of incorrect dosages or other errors in prescribing medicines. Finally, any legal action taken against the healthcare organization as a result of medication errors can lead to substantial cost burdens (Kabiruzzaman et al., 2018). Implementation Project Using PDSA Model: To implement this project using the IHI PDSA model, first plan out how change will be implemented by determining what resources are available, who will be responsible for each step in implementation process and when it needs to be done. Next is Do which involves carrying out planned interventions such as training personnel about best practices for medication reconciliation or creating protocols for follow up after discharge regarding any discrepancies found between pre-admission meds vs post hospitalization meds that need resolving. Then comes Study where data is collected such as error rates before & after intervention & effectiveness evaluation conducted based on outcomes achieved etc.. After that Act whereby results are analyzed & further changes or interventions implemented depending upon findings & finally Sustain wherein new policies & regulations are put into place so that improvements made become part of routine practice going forward (IHI Framework For Improvement). Quality Improvement Measures: Quality improvement measures could include tracking total number of cases with successful resolution rate through appropriate documentation before discharging patient(s), surveys measuring satisfaction levels among patients who underwent successful completion process compared with those who did not experience same outcome level without experiencing negative repercussions due disruption in quality standards followed throughout course of treatment received leading up till final assessment stage intended purpose being gauging true success rate achieved from project’s initiatives put forth towards ensuring consistently high level standard across board when coming down evaluating instances where discrepancies arose involving wrong dosage amounts provided causing potential harm requiring attention rectifying problem immediately situation arises thereby avoiding long term damage taking place instead proactively intervening preventing same from occurring start off altogether allowing much more smoother transition take place wherever possible whenever necessary . Tools Used : Run chart would provide useful information illustrating progress over time while Pareto chart offering graphical representation displaying most frequent occurrence present categorized manner indicating greatest associated problems needing addressed first priority wise thus enabling fast efficient decision making occur point rather than relying solely upon written numbers alone giving broader overall picture understanding issue hand better equipping individuals necessary tools required tackling problem head-on efficiently quickly gaining control oversight matter requiring attending ASAP accordingly therefore helping team address underlying issues directly forefront contrary wasting time attempting identify root causes already known keeping track valid recent measurable data sets obtained accurately portraying true state affairs at given time period concerning particular subject matter discussion at hand while Flow Chart providing visual aid breaking down entire procedure step outline format showing connections involved contributing factors outcome produced ultimately drawing conclusion based analytical evidence presented clear concise manner assisted technology driving proactive approach needed tackling complex challenging dilemmas . Leadership Theory / Model Implemented : Transformational leadership theory applies here because it focuses on inspiring people towards shared vision cooperation collaboration encouraging innovation taking risk trying something new order achieve greatness rather than sticking older outdated methods supposed improve situation but fail miserably sense failing deliver desired result doing same thing expecting different results ... Leaders invested strive reach goals inspired create meaningful sustainable change environment initiate bring forth progress collective endeavour benefit everyone involved whole utilizing inspirational stories relate tangible benefits accruing should transformation complete successfully convincing others come aboard journey ride until destination reached satisfyingly lastly reinforcing fact maintaining status quo simply no longer option due inevitable disruption looming horizon imminent unavoidable meaning status quo maintained even been productive begin fade away rendering efforts naught time future arrives hence why action must taken now safeguard interests everyone concerned whilst simultaneously pursuing goal excellence set endgame