Describe at least one quality-related measure that is currently being monitored within the organization.

/in /by

Defining and Measuring Quality in Health Care Organizations   Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort. —John Ruskin  Quality is multidimensional and involves the perspectives of various stakeholders, including patients and families. As noted in this week’s Learning Resources, defining quality is not a simple, straightforward task. Yet, it provides an essential foundation for being able to measure and assess quality, and, ultimately, to improve it.  In this Discussion, you consider definitions and measurements of quality. As you proceed, think about why it is important for organizations to be able to quantify quality and compare current performance to previous performance, to a set of standards, and/or to performance in other organizations.   To prepare: •Review the information in the Learning Resources, especially the chapters in the Sadeghi, Brazi, Mikhail, and Shabot course text, focusing on how quality is or could be defined and measured. •Think about a health care organization with which you are familiar. It may be the same organization you are focusing on for your Course Project, or a different one. How do you think various stakeholders in this organization would define quality? How would you define quality as it relates to this organization? •Review the information on quality standards and / or aims in the Learning Resources, and consider the following: ◦Which outcomes related to quality are currently being monitored in the organization that you have selected? ◦How is related data collected and evaluated? ◦Does the organization use health information technology in this regard? If so, how? ◦How is quality-related information (e.g., data, needs for improvement) communicated throughout the organization? ◦What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of the current approach to quality in this organization?   

By Day 3  Post a definition of quality for your selected organization. Describe at least one quality-related measure that is currently being monitored within the organization. 
Summarize the data collection process for this measure, and explain how this information is communicated to or among the staff. Identify at least one strength and one weakness related to how quality is defined, measured, and/or monitored within the organization.

Required Readings  
Hickey, J. V., & Brosnan, C. A. (2017). Evaluation  of health care quality in for DNPs (2nd  ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.  
•Chapter 6, “Evaluating of Health Care Information Systems and Patient Care Technology” (pp. 143-170) This chapter examines federally mandated use of health information technology to improve health care and care delivery.   Sadeghi, S., Barzi, A., Mikhail, O., & Shabot, M. (2013). Integrating quality and strategy in health care organizations. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.  
•Review Chapter 3, “General Concepts in Quality” (pp. 45–82) (assigned in Week 4)    The authors discuss historical perspectives of quality in various industries, and explain the multifaceted nature of defining quality in health care settings.     •Chapter 4, “Current State of Quality Measurement: External Dynamics” (pp. 83–98)    This chapter describes many of the government, nonprofit, and for-profit groups / organizations that contribute to the establishment quality standards and support research to improve the quality of health care.     •Chapter 5, “Current State of Quality Measurement: Internal Dynamics” (pp. 99–110)    This chapter focuses on mandatory and voluntary quality measurement in organizations.     •Chapter 6, “Measuring Quality of Inpatient Care” (pp. 111–132)    This chapter explains the terminology use in quality measurement (e.g., measures, indicators, metrics), and notes that measurement is a critical foundation for the ultimate aim of creating effective changes to improve quality.     
•Chapter 8, “Quantifying the Quality Performance Gaps” (pp. 161–177)    This chapter addresses how to quantify current performance and set targets.   Epstein, J. N., Langberg, J. M., Lichtenstein, P. K., Kolb, R. C., & Stark, L. J. (2010). Sustained improvement in pediatricians’ ADHD practice behaviors in the context of a community-based quality improvement initiative. Children’s Health Care, 39(4), 296–311.  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.     Researchers evaluate a quality improvement project on pediatric care of ADHD patients and the sustainability of the improvement over a two-year period.

How does the model bring together research and evidence-based practice to facilitate quality improvement?

/in /by

Using Improvement Science Models to Promote Quality and Safety   …while all changes do not lead to improvement, all improvement requires change.  —United States Agency for International Development  Improvement science models bring together research and evidence-based practice to identify the most effective ways to promote quality and safety in health care. As a central tenet of quality improvement, attention must be paid to the processes that contribute to outcomes.  In this Discussion, you examine quality improvement models and evaluate how they could be applied to address specific issues within health care organizations.  
To prepare: •Review the improvement models presented in the Learning Resources. 
•Evaluate each of the models and select two on which to focus for this Discussion. 
•Consider how each of the two models could be utilized in a health care organization to promote quality and safety. Think about the following: •How does the model bring together research and evidence-based practice to facilitate quality improvement? 
•How does the model contribute to a culture of quality and safety? 
•How does it address changes in process?  
•Reflect on the quality improvement issue and the health care setting that you are addressing for your Course Project. Of the two models that you have selected, determine which one you, as a nurse leader-manager, would use to address this issue. Also consider how this would relate to one or more of the IOM’s six aims for quality and safety.  

By Day 3  Post your analysis of how the two improvement models that you selected could foster a culture of quality and patient safety and facilitate changes in process that promote positive outcomes. Explain how you would use one of these models to address the quality improvement issue in the organization that you have selected for your Course Project, and how doing so would relate to one or more of the IOM’s six aims for improving quality and safety.

Required Readings  Hickey, J. V., & Brosnan, C. A. (2012). Evaluation of health care quality in advanced practice nursing. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.  

•Review Chapter 6, “Evaluating Health Care Information Systems and Patient Care Technology” (pp. 113–133) (assigned in Week 6)  This chapter examines federally mandated use of health information technology to improve health care and care delivery. In addition, technology competencies are discussed along with strategies for evaluating health information technologies in coordination with nurse informaticists.     

•Chapter 7, “Evaluation of Patient Care Standards, Guidelines, and Protocols” (pp. 135–158) (assigned in Week 4)  How can you know if an organization is delivering the best possible care? This chapter explores evaluation methods for patient care and discusses methods used to evaluate innovations that can lead to practice changes.   Sadeghi, S., Barzi, A., Mikhail, O., & Shabot, M. M. (2013). Integrating quality and strategy in health care organizations. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.  

•Chapter 7, “Understanding Quality and Performance” (pp. 133–160) 

•Chapter 9, “Closing the Gaps” (pp. 179–194)  Altmann, T. K. (2007). An evaluation of the seminal work of Patricia Benner: Theory or philosophy? Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 25(1/2), 114–123.  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.     Altmann summarizes the foundational work of Benner’s novice to expert theory, reviews critiques, and outlines how Benner’s concepts are important in nursing.

Reflect on whether or not the prevalence of HIV cases might be attributed to increased complacency due to more advanced drug treatment options for HIV/AIDS.

/in /by

Needs 3 reference sources above 2013 in APA.

While HIV/AIDS is still currently incurable, the prognosis for patients with this infectious disease has improved due to advancements in drug treatments. Consider the case of Kristy Aney. Kristy was diagnosed with HIV in 1992 and was told she would survive, at most, 10 more years. Despite unfavorable odds, Kristy is still alive 20 years later. Since her diagnosis, she has witnessed tremendous improvements in HIV/AIDS treatments which have helped patients live longer with fewer side effects. While she acknowledges that these drug treatments have kept her alive, she fears that improvements in drug therapy have led to more people becoming complacent about the disease (Idaho Statesmen, 2012). In fact, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States is higher than it has ever been (CDC, 2012). This poses the question: Is there a relationship between drug advancements, societal complacency, and infection?
To prepare:

Review Chapter 49 of the Arcangelo and Peterson text, as well as the Krummenacher et al. and Scourfield articles in the Learning Resources.
Reflect on whether or not the prevalence of HIV cases might be attributed to increased complacency due to more advanced drug treatment options for HIV/AIDS.
Consider how health care professionals can help to change perceptions and make people more aware of the realities of the disease.
Think about strategies to educate HIV positive patients on medication adherence, as well as safe practices to reduce the risk of infecting others.

With these thoughts in mind:
By Day 3
Post an explanation of whether or not you think the prevalence of HIV cases might be attributed to increased complacency due to more advanced drug treatment options.Then, explain how health care professionals can help to change perceptions and increase awareness of the realities of the disease. Finally, describe strategies to educate HIV positive patients on medication adherence, as well as safe practices to reduce the risk of infecting others.

How are the physical, mental, and social aspects of health compromised in these three vulnerable populations in comparison to the others?

/in /by

Review the descriptions of the special populations addressed in Chapter 1 of your course textbook.  Identify the three groups you feel are most vulnerable. Explain your reasoning for selecting the groups based on: 

An analysis of the statistical data/trends related to the populations. How did you use data to determine the three most vulnerable populations? Explain your thought process.
The World Health Organization’s formal definition of “health.”  How are the physical, mental, and social aspects of health compromised in these three vulnerable populations in comparison to the others?
The statistical data and the health compromises identified above. Create a list of at least three health service needs for each vulnerable group you identified.

Your initial contribution should be 250 to 300 words in length. Your research and claims must be supported by your course text and at least one other scholarly source.  Use proper APA formatting for in-text citations and references as outlined