Skip to content 
Enhancing Quality and Safety
In NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 1 Enhancing Quality and Safety has become critical in today’s quickly changing world, fueled not just by rules but also by ethical considerations and strategic advantages, and this is true across industries, from manufacturing to healthcare (Institute of Medicine, 2000; Spath, 2000). The purpose of this series is to examine different facets of improving quality and safety while providing advice and insights to support organizations in their quest for excellence. While safety includes safeguarding people, property, and the environment, quality comprises accuracy, consistency, and achieving customer expectations (American Society for Quality; Health and Safety Executive). In the face of obstacles including intricate supply chains and new threats, organizations use technology and preventative measures to reduce risks and boost performance (Schwaber et al., 2020; Cleveland et al., 2017). (Chin et al., 2017). The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability even more (McKinsey & Company, 2020; World Health Organization, 2020).
The importance of quality and safety management is underscored by the millions of occupational injuries and medical errors that occur in the US each year (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2020; James et al., 2013). Organizations can reduce risks, improve their reputation, and achieve sustainable growth by adopting a continuous improvement culture and investing in technology (Davies et al., 2017; Reichheld et al., 2000).
Factors Leading to Patient-Safety Risk In Domestic Errors
Patient safety risks associated with household errors are complex and involve a range of issues. Medication mistakes are frequent and include mishandling dosages or mixing medications (Bates et al., 1995). Misunderstandings about treatment plans and directions are a result of communication breakdowns between domestic caregivers and healthcare professionals (Leonard et al., 2004). These hazards are increased when caregivers lack formal training and education (Wachter & Pronovost, 2009). Furthermore, patients’ underlying medical issues plus insufficient supervision and assistance makes them more vulnerable to unfavorable outcomes (Rothschild et al., 2005; Institute of Medicine, 2001). Home environments might present additional environmental dangers that exacerbate safety concerns (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2021). To maintain patients’ well-being, addressing these issues calls for initiatives that prioritize environmental safety, better communication, and education.
NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 1 Evidence-based Solutions
Evidence-based approaches are essential for tackling the problems caused by diagnostic errors in order to increase patient safety and lower related expenses.
Standardized Communication Protocols
In home caregiving settings, standardized communication standards provide an evidence-based way to reduce patient safety hazards. By establishing explicit norms for communication, these protocols lessen miscommunications and mistakes between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Empirical evidence indicates that established procedures enhance patient outcomes by promoting prompt treatments and well-informed choices. Protocols guarantee that crucial information is successfully communicated by offering formal frameworks like SBAR, encouraging cooperation between caregivers and healthcare professionals.
To ensure adherence and efficacy over time, a successful deployment requires thorough training and continuous monitoring. Standardized communication methods ultimately improve overall outcomes in domestic caregiving, maximize patient safety, and optimize care coordination.
Integrated Health Information Systems
When it comes to reducing patient safety hazards in settings where caregivers are at home, integrated health information systems are essential. These systems give caregivers a thorough picture of the patient’s health status by combining patient data from many sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs), medication histories, and care plans (Yaraghi et al., 2017). Studies reveal that having access to integrated health information systems lowers prescription mistakes and enhances caregiver-provider interactions (Adler-Milstein et al., 2017). Furthermore, according to Kierkegaard et al. (2019), these technologies enable prompt access to vital information, such as prescription instructions and allergy alerts, assisting caregivers in making decisions and averting unfavorable outcomes.
To ensure optimal utilization, user-friendly interfaces and caregiver training are necessary when implementing integrated health information systems in domestic caregiving (Khan et al., 2018). Domestic carers can raise patient safety and care quality in homes by utilizing technology to combine health information.
Continuing Education and Training Programs
Programs for ongoing education and training are crucial for resolving patient safety concerns in contexts where home caregivers provide care. By giving caregivers continual opportunities to improve their knowledge and abilities, these programs help lower the risk of mistakes and unfavorable outcomes. Studies reveal that regimented training courses enhance domestic caregivers’ communication abilities, medication management techniques, and general caregiving proficiencies (Boyer et al., 2020). These programs equip caregivers to efficiently handle caregiving duties at home by emphasizing issues including drug safety, infection control, and emergency response (Khan et al., 2018). Moreover, caregivers can stay current on developing technologies, best practices, and pertinent healthcare regulations by enrolling in continuing education programs.
To ensure caregiver participation and efficacy, implementation of these programs necessitates a customized curriculum, easily accessible training materials, and encouraging learning environments (Kilpatrick et al., 2016). Healthcare companies can maximize care outcomes in home settings and improve patient safety and caregiver competency by allocating resources towards ongoing education and training efforts.
Nurses Role in Care Coordination to Increase Patient Safety
In situations where patients are receiving care at home, nurses are essential to the care coordination process. Nurses are in a good position to evaluate patients’ needs, plan care activities, and interact with other members of the healthcare team efficiently because they work as frontline healthcare professionals. Studies show that interventions in care coordination led by nurses enhance patient outcomes and lessen unfavorable events in the home (Lorig et al., 1999). To create individualized care plans that fully address each patient’s requirements and preferences, nurses work in conjunction with patients, caregivers, and other medical professionals (Weaver et al., 2018). Furthermore, nurses educate and train patients and caregivers on symptom assessment, medication management, and preventive measures, enabling them to properly handle caregiving duties at home (Boyer et al., 2020).
NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 1 Enhancing Quality and Safety
In addition, nurses act as patient advocates by seeing any safety concerns and arranging prompt actions to avoid mistakes and consequences (Titler et al., 2008). In domestic caregiving situations, nurses play a crucial role in improving care outcomes and patient safety by utilizing their skills in care coordination and patient advocacy.
Stakeholders Collaboration for NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 1 Safety Enhancement
The cooperation of stakeholders is essential to improving home caregiving safety. Healthcare professionals organize treatment, offer information to patients and caregivers, and monitor compliance with safety protocols. In addition to reporting issues, patients and caregivers actively participate in decision-making. While legislators create laws and set aside funds for safety programs, community organizations offer assistance. When combined, they offer a thorough method for NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 1 enhancing safety that benefits all parties.
Relevance and Importance of Stakeholders
The safety, efficacy, and caliber of care provided at home are dependent on several factors, including community organizations, legislators, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016). While patients and caregivers actively participate in decision-making and the delivery of treatment, healthcare providers contribute clinical expertise and advice (Fried et al., 2014). (Wolff et al., 2010).
Support services are offered by community organizations (Johnson et al., 2019), and laws and funding are shaped by legislators to advance health and safety (Champion et al., 2018). Working together, these stakeholders can provide patient-centered, coordinated care and enhance results in home environments.
Conclusion
In NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 1 improving the quality and safety of in-home care is a complex project that calls for cooperation from a range of stakeholders, including legislators, community organizations, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. We may reduce patient safety risks and improve treatment outcomes in home settings by putting into practice evidence-based solutions including standardized communication protocols, integrated health information systems, continuous education and training programs, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. It is critical to acknowledge the particular difficulties and complications associated with providing domestic care, such as medication errors and communication breakdowns, and to address them all in-depth using a holistic strategy.
References
Association;, A. N. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice. In library.mtshohoe.edu.gh. American Nurses Association.
https://library.mtshohoe.edu.gh/index.php?p=show_detail&id=855&keywords=
Azyabi, A., Karwowski, W., Hancock, P., Wan, T. T. H., & Elshennawy, A. (2022). Assessing Patient Safety Culture in United States Hospitals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 2353.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042353
Donohue, J. M., Cole, E. S., James, C. V., Jarlenski, M., Michener, J. D., & Roberts, E. T. (2022). The US Medicaid Program: Coverage, Financing, Reforms, and Implications for Health Equity. JAMA, 328(11), 1085–1099.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.14791
Fulmer, T., Reuben, D. B., Auerbach, J., Fick, D. M., Galambos, C., & Johnson, K. S. (2021). Actualizing Better Health And Health Care For Older Adults. Health Affairs, 40(2), 10.1377/hlthaff.
https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01470
Haig, K. M., Sutton, S., & Whittington, J. (2006). SBAR: A shared mental model for improving communication between clinicians. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 32(3), 167–175.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1553-7250(06)32022-3
Saini, P., Loke, Y. K., Gamble, C., Altman, D. G., Williamson, P. R., & Kirkham, J. J. (2014). Selective reporting bias of harm outcomes within studies: findings from a cohort of systematic reviews. BMJ, 349(nov21 3), g6501–g6501.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g6501
Toker, D. E., Peterson, S. M., Badihian, S., Hassoon, A., Nassery, N., Parizadeh, D., & Robinson, K. A. (2022). Diagnostic errors in the emergency department: A systematic review. 23.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK588118/
Redmond, S., Barwise, A., Zornes, S., Dong, Y., Herasevich, S., Pinevich, Y., & Pickering, B. (2022). Contributors to diagnostic error or delay in the acute care setting: A survey of clinical stakeholders. Health Services Insights, 15.
https://doi.org/10.1177/11786329221123540
Explore This Paper for Comprehensive Course Understanding:
NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 2 Root Cause Analysis and Safety Improvement Plan
