Quality And Safety Gap Analysis

Sample Solution

   

Assessing the Ability of a Healthcare Organization to Deliver Safe, High-Quality Patient Care

Introduction

As a nurse leader, you must be able to assess your organization's ability to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. In so doing, you may be required to perform a gap analysis of a quality or safety issue as the first step in improving outcomes. Failure to meet benchmarks for safe and effective patient care can have reimbursement, regulatory, and legal consequences.

Full Answer Section

    Evaluating the Current Culture of an Organization The first step in assessing an organization's ability to deliver safe, high-quality patient care is to evaluate the current culture of the organization. This includes assessing the organization's values, mission, and vision, as well as the attitudes and behaviors of employees. The organization should have a strong culture of safety and quality, with a commitment to continuous improvement. Performing an Outcomes Gap Analysis Once you have evaluated the current culture of the organization, you can begin to perform an outcomes gap analysis. This involves identifying and analyzing the difference between the organization's desired outcomes and its actual outcomes. There are a number of different tools and methods that can be used to perform an outcomes gap analysis, such as the Donabedian model of quality. Determining What Changes Are Needed to Bridge the Gap After you have performed an outcomes gap analysis, you need to determine what changes are needed to bridge the gap. This may involve changes to policies, procedures, processes, or staff training. It is important to involve all stakeholders in the process of identifying and implementing changes. Examining Current Thinking on This Topic Contained in the Literature It is also important to examine current thinking on this topic contained in the literature. This will help you to identify the best practices for improving patient safety and quality. There are a number of different journals and other resources that you can use to find information on this topic. Quality and Safety Are Everyone's Responsibility Quality and safety are everyone's responsibility as a team of interprofessional care delivery partners. Together we develop policies that support quality and safe care delivery. As part of the interprofessional team, nurses are leaders in care and thus are responsible and accountable for leading and providing safe quality care. Health Care Delivery Is Structured Around Evidenced-Based Information Health care delivery is structured around evidenced-based information. Quality is defined by exploring proven, evidenced-based information. After reviewing and defining evidenced-based information, the interprofessional team applies this knowledge to assess the organization's or the practice setting's ability to provide evidenced-based care delivery. When a gap in care is identified, it is important to propose an evidenced-based change and to execute a plan for improved care. Case Study A hospital conducted a gap analysis of its ability to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. The analysis found that the hospital had a high rate of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The hospital team identified a number of changes that were needed to reduce the rate of HAIs, such as improving hand hygiene practices and implementing new cleaning protocols. The hospital implemented these changes and the rate of HAIs decreased significantly. Conclusion Assessing an organization's ability to deliver safe, high-quality patient care is an important part of being a nurse leader. By following the steps outlined in this essay, you can ensure that your organization is providing the best possible care for its patients.