Policy Proposal
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, the need for policies and practice guidelines to address benchmark underperformance is most important for ensuring high-quality care and organizational compliance with regulatory standards. This policy proposal addresses the shortfall in meeting benchmark metrics, specifically focusing on improving HgbA1c testing rates and overall diabetes management at Mercy Medical Center (Cooksey, 2020). By implementing evidence-based practice guidelines and promoting stakeholder collaboration, this proposal seeks to enhance patient outcomes, promote organizational excellence, and facilitate continuous quality improvement in healthcare delivery.
Need for Creating a Policy and Practice Guidelines
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
Creating policy and practice guidelines to address a shortfall in meeting a benchmark metric prescribed by healthcare policies or laws is essential for ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and maintaining regulatory compliance. When an organization falls short of meeting defined benchmarks, such as the HgbA1c testing rates in the case of Mercy Medical Center, it indicates potential gaps in care delivery and patient outcomes (Cooksey, 2020). For instance, inadequate monitoring of HgbA1c levels can lead to undetected fluctuations in blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of diabetic complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Failure to address benchmark underperformance can have far-reaching consequences for patients and the organization. From a patient perspective, suboptimal diabetes management can result in poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization due to preventable complications and hospital admissions (Murphy et al., 2020). On the organizational front, persistent underperformance may lead to reputational damage, decreased patient satisfaction, and potential regulatory sanctions or financial penalties (Rodziewicz et al., 2023). Moreover, failure to meet benchmarks may hinder the organization’s ability to secure funding or participate in value-based payment models, impacting its economic sustainability and ability to invest in quality improvement initiatives.
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2 Healthcare Law and Policy Proposal
Engaging stakeholders in developing policies and practice guidelines ensures that proposed interventions are relevant, feasible, and effectively implemented. Stakeholders such as healthcare providers, administrators, policymakers, and patients must be involved in the policy development process to provide diverse perspectives and ensure buy-in from all relevant parties (Lübbeke et al., 2019). By involving stakeholders, organizations can harness collective expertise, address potential barriers to implementation, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous quality improvement (De Brún et al., 2020). Creating and implementing policies and practice guidelines to address benchmark underperformance is vital for promoting patient safety, enhancing care quality, and achieving organizational excellence in healthcare delivery.
Organizational Policy and Practice Guidelines
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
The proposed organizational policy entails implementing a comprehensive diabetes care program to improve HgbA1c testing rates and overall diabetes management at Mercy Medical Center. This policy includes establishing standardized protocols for regular HgbA1c testing for diabetic patients, ensuring timely follow-up appointments, and integrating patient education and engagement initiatives (Imai et al., 2021). Additionally, the policy outlines allocating resources for staff training and enhancing electronic health record systems to facilitate tracking and monitoring of patient outcomes.
Environmental factors such as staffing levels, financial resources, and logistical considerations can significantly impact implementing the recommended practice guidelines. For instance, a shortage of trained healthcare personnel may hinder the timely completion of HgbA1c tests, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, limited financial resources may restrict the organization’s ability to invest in staff training or acquire necessary equipment for diabetes management (Hill-Briggs et al., 2020). Logistical challenges such as inadequate space or inefficient scheduling systems can impede the smooth delivery of diabetes care services, affecting patient access and satisfaction.
FPX-6004 Healthcare Law and Policy Proposal
Clear cause-and-effect relationships exist between these environmental factors and the recommended practice guidelines. For instance, insufficient staffing levels directly affect the organization’s capacity to conduct HgbA1c tests promptly, consequently impacting patient outcomes and compliance with performance benchmarks (Haegdorens et al., 2019). Limited financial resources may prevent the implementation of patient education programs or the purchase of essential diagnostic tools, hindering the organization’s ability to improve diabetes management practices (Adhikari et al., 2021). Recognizing and addressing these environmental factors is crucial for ensuring the implementation and sustainability of the proposed policy and practice guidelines, ultimately leading to improved diabetes care outcomes at Mercy Medical Center.
Evidence-Based Practices and Guidelines
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
To improve targeted benchmark performance in HgbA1c testing rates, Mercy Medical Center should implement evidence-based practice guidelines focused on several key areas. The organization should prioritize regular and timely HgbA1c testing for diabetic patients per established clinical guidelines from reputable sources such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Endocrine Society (Davies et al., 2022). These guidelines recommend periodic testing intervals based on individual patient factors such as disease duration, treatment regimen, and glycemic control status. Adhering to these guidelines ensures comprehensive monitoring of long-term glucose control and enables early intervention to prevent complications.
Mercy Medical Center should emphasize patient education and engagement as integral components of diabetes care. Evidence suggests that informed and empowered patients are more likely to adhere to recommended treatment plans and achieve better health outcomes (Bailo et al., 2019). Therefore, implementing educational programs on diabetes self-management, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence can empower patients to take an active role in their care and improve compliance with HgbA1c testing protocols.
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2 Healthcare Law and Policy Proposal
Leveraging technology such as electronic health records (EHRs) and telehealth platforms can enhance access to care and facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers. By implementing EHR systems with automated reminders for HgbA1c testing and telehealth visits for remote patient monitoring, Mercy Medical Center can overcome barriers to care access and improve patient engagement, ultimately leading to higher compliance with benchmark performance targets.
The precise impact of these practice changes on stakeholders is significant. Patients will benefit from improved diabetes management and reduced risk of complications, leading to better quality of life and overall health outcomes. Healthcare providers will experience streamlined workflows, enhanced patient communication, and improved adherence to clinical guidelines, resulting in more efficient and effective care delivery (Upadhyay & Hu, 2022). Additionally, the organization will see improved compliance with performance benchmarks, an enhanced reputation for quality care, and potentially reduced healthcare costs associated with preventable complications (Rodziewicz et al., 2023). Adopting ethical, evidence-based practice guidelines will contribute to meaningful improvements in targeted benchmark performance and benefit all stakeholders.
Strategies for and Importance of Collaboration with Stakeholders
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
Engaging particular stakeholders and groups in further developing and implementing proposed policy and practice guidelines is crucial for several reasons. Involving frontline healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals ensures that the guidelines are informed by their practical experiences and expertise (Mehedi & Ismail Hossain, 2022). These stakeholders possess valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with diabetes care delivery, which can inform the development of effective and feasible practice guidelines.
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2 Capella University
Including administrators and policymakers in the stakeholder engagement process fosters organizational buy-in and support for the proposed changes. Administrators play a vital role in allocating resources, establishing infrastructure, and implementing corporate policies, making their involvement essential for successfully implementing practice guidelines (Bhayani, 2023). Policymakers can guide regulatory requirements, funding opportunities, and strategic priorities, ensuring that the proposed guidelines align with broader healthcare policy objectives and legal frameworks.
Engaging patients and their families as stakeholders in developing and implementing practice guidelines promotes patient-centered care and enhances the relevance and acceptability of the proposed changes. Patients bring unique perspectives on their healthcare needs, preferences, and experiences, which can inform the design of patient education materials, decision-making tools, and self-management strategies (Massé et al., 2023). By involving patients as partners in care delivery, healthcare organizations can empower individuals to take an active role in managing their health and improving health outcomes.
FPX-6004 Healthcare Law and Policy Proposal
The engagement of diverse stakeholders and groups in developing and implementing policy and practice guidelines strengthens the credibility, relevance, and effectiveness of the proposed changes. By leveraging stakeholders’ collective expertise, experiences, and perspectives, healthcare organizations can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous quality improvement, ultimately leading to improved quality outcomes and better patient care.
Importance of Stakeholders Collaboration
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
Implementing a proposed policy and practice guidelines necessitates effective collaboration with stakeholders to ensure successful adoption and implementation. One strategy for cooperation is to establish regular communication channels and feedback mechanisms to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process (Włodarczyk, 2023). This approach promotes transparency, fosters trust, and allows stakeholders to provide input, voice concerns, and contribute to decision-making.
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2 Capella University
Another strategy is to build communication and engagement efforts to address each stakeholder group’s unique perspectives and priorities. Healthcare organizations can build consensus, mitigate resistance, and maximize stakeholder buy-in by acknowledging and incorporating diverse viewpoints, concerns, and objectives (Petkovic et al., 2020). For instance, addressing potential objections from frontline healthcare providers regarding increased workload or changes in workflow requires transparent communication, active listening, and opportunities for meaningful participation in policy development and implementation processes (Hui et al., 2023). By implementing these collaborative strategies, healthcare organizations can harness stakeholders’ collective expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to effectively implement proposed policy and practice guidelines, ultimately leading to improved quality outcomes and better patient care.
Conclusion
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
The proposed policy and practice guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to addressing benchmark underperformance and improving diabetes care outcomes at Mercy Medical Center. By engaging stakeholders, implementing evidence-based practices, and fostering a culture of collaboration, the organization can overcome environmental challenges, enhance patient care, and achieve compliance with performance benchmarks. Through these concerted efforts, Mercy Medical Center can uphold its commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while striving for continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.
References
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2
Adhikari, M., Devkota, H. R., & Cesuroglu, T. (2021). Barriers to and facilitators of diabetes self-management practices in rupandehi, nepal- multiple stakeholders’ perspective. BMC Public Health, 21(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11308-4
Bailo, L., Guiddi, P., Vergani, L., Marton, G., & Pravettoni, G. (2020). The patient perspective: Investigating patient empowerment enablers and barriers within the oncological care process. Ecancermedicalscience, 13(912).
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2019.912
Bhayani, T. (2023, September 12). Strategies in action: Examples of policy implementation. AirMason Blog.
https://blog.airmason.com/strategies-in-action-examples-of-policy-implementation/
Cooksey, C. (2020). Strategies to improve annual diabetic foot screening compliance at a family clinic. Clinical Diabetes, 38(4), 386–389.
https://doi.org/10.2337/cd20-0030
Davies, M. J., Aroda, V. R., Collins, B. S., Gabbay, R. A., Green, J., Maruthur, N. M., Rosas, S. E., Del Prato, S., Mathieu, C., Mingrone, G., Rossing, P., Tankova, T., Tsapas, A., & Buse, J. B. (2022). Management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022. A consensus report by the american diabetes association (ADA) and the european association for the study of diabetes (EASD). Diabetes Care, 45(11), 2753–2786.
https://doi.org/10.2337/dci22-0034
De Brún, A., Anjara, S., Cunningham, U., Khurshid, Z., Macdonald, S., O’Donovan, R., Rogers, L., & McAuliffe, E. (2020). The collective leadership for safety culture (co-lead) team intervention to promote teamwork and patient safety. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(22).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228673
Haegdorens, F., Van Bogaert, P., De Meester, K., & Monsieurs, K. G. (2019). The impact of nurse staffing levels and nurse’s education on patient mortality in medical and surgical wards: an observational multicentre study. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 1–9.
https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-019-4688-7
Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., Thornton, P. L., & Haire-Joshu, D. (2020). Social determinants of health and diabetes: A scientific review. Diabetes Care, 44(1), 258–279.
NHS-FPX 6004 :Capella University
https://doi.org/10.2337/dci20-0053
Hui, L., Garnett, A., Oleynikov, C., & Boamah, S. A. (2023). Compassion fatigue in healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 13(5), e069843–e069843.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069843
Imai, C., Li, L., Hardie, R.-A., & Georgiou, A. (2021). Adherence to guideline-recommended hba1c testing frequency and better outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: A 5-year retrospective cohort study in australian general practice. BMJ Quality & Safety, 30(9), bmjqs-2020-012026.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2020-012026
Lübbeke, A., Carr, A. J., & Hoffmeyer, P. (2019). Registry stakeholders. EFORT Open Reviews, 4(6), 330–336.
https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.4.180077
Massé, J., Grignon, S., Vigneault, L., Geneviève Olivier-D’Avignon, & Tremblay, M.-C. (2023). Patients’ perspectives on their motivations for participating in non-clinical medical teaching and what they gain from their experience: A qualitative study informed by critical theory. Advances in Health Sciences Education , 7(2).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-023-10262-7
Mehedi, N., & Ismail Hossain, M. (2022). Experiences of the frontline healthcare professionals amid the COVID-19 health hazard: A phenomenological investigation. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 59(4), 004695802211119.
NHS-FPX 6004 :Capella University
https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580221111925
Murphy, M. E., McSharry, J., Byrne, M., Boland, F., Corrigan, D., Gillespie, P., Fahey, T., & Smith, S. M. (2020). Supporting care for suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus in general practice with a clinical decision support system: A mixed methods pilot cluster randomised trial. BMJ Open, 10(2), e032594.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032594
Petkovic, J., Riddle, A., Akl, E. A., Khabsa, J., Lytvyn, L., Atwere, P., Campbell, P., Chalkidou, K., Chang, S. M., Crowe, S., Dans, L., Jardali, F. E., Ghersi, D., Graham, I. D., Grant, S., Greer-Smith, R., Guise, J.-M., Hazlewood, G., Jull, J., & Katikireddi, S. V. (2020). Protocol for the development of guidance for stakeholder engagement in health and healthcare guideline development and implementation. Systematic Reviews, 9(21), 1–11.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-1272-5
Rodziewicz, T. L., Hipskind, J. E., & Houseman, B. (2023). Medical error reduction and prevention. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499956/
Upadhyay, S., & Hu, H. (2022). A qualitative analysis of the impact of electronic health records (EHR) on healthcare quality and safety: Clinicians’ lived experiences. Health Services Insights, 15(1), 1–7.
https://doi.org/10.1177/11786329211070722
Włodarczyk, K. (2023, July 21). The importance of stakeholder communication in project management. Sunscrapers.
https://sunscrapers.com/blog/the-importance-of-stakeholder-communication-in-project-management/