This week’s graded topics relate to the following Course Outcome (CO). CO2: Discuss effective processes and strategies to improve quality in nursing. (POs 2 and 8) For this week’s discussion, answer the following: Why is it important to have a structured process to approach and improve nursing ...
NR 392 Week 2 Discussion: Quality
Improvement Processes
Hello Professor and Class
Why is it important to have a structured process to approach and improve nursing care
quality?
Structure is an important component when improving nursing care quality. It is important to
know what barriers are challenges nurses face in order to come up with a structure that will
improve quality of care. “To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System,” created a public
awareness on medical errors and patient safety (Lanham, 2003). Having a structured process is
part of building an organizations reputation which in turn boost the community confidence and
trust for the organization. Imagine a health care organization without structure facing challenges
like; hospital acquired infections, medication error, surgical errors etc. It will be disastrous for
patients because each care member will be caring for patient in a way that they think is right. In
order to combat these issues, the health care industry have to come up with a structured process
including rules and regulations and solutions on how to deal with situations that arises while
caring for a patients. With the industries need to provide structure to health industry, the Six
Sigma and Lean approaches were established.
How can use of this structured process help to improve quality nursing care in your
setting?
The Six Sigma approach aims at reducing variation while improving on the quality of care
(Sherwood, 2012). With the current cost of health care during the recent years, most facilities are
trying to manage resources, provide excellent care while decreasing cost. For example serious
patient falls occurring in the hospital are associated with $4,200 in excess costs and 12, days in
excess length of stay (Lanham, 2003). Even though the health care industry priority is patient
care and safety, from a business stand point, they are also looking forward in making profits. The
Lean approach focuses on reduction of waste. The goal is improve quality while eliminating
waste. This approach could be utilized by my organization. On the unit we take care of stroke
and respiratory patients. We see a lot of wastage with the metered dose inhalers. Metered dose
inhalers are very costly and sometimes used as recue inhalers, it will be reasonable to give
patients their leftover medications, especially those patients without insurance. Giving them the
remainder of their inhaler allows them time to get new inhalers in the community through their
pharmacy or charitable organizations. It also prevents them from coming back to the emergency
room or getting admitted within 30 days of discharge which further increases health care cost. As
a nurse we are allow to advocate for our patient by asking the doctor to write an order which will
allow you give the medication to the patient.
References:
Lanham, B., & Maxson-Cooper, P. (2003). Is six sigma the answer for nursing to reduce medical
errors and enhance patient safety? Nursing Economic$, 21(1), 39-41, 38.
This study source was downloaded by 100000849840424 from CourseHero.com on 11-12-2022 11:07:30 GMT -06:00
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller ProfGoodlucK. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
