Quality improvement principles in your current clinical situation.

Use the following steps to apply quality improvement principles in your current clinical situation.
Identify a process or procedure that you perform routinely and wish to improve.
Using a flowchart, delineate each step of the procedure.
Identify the step in the flowchart where you would insert a change for quality improvement.
Design a new flowchart that now shows the improved process.
This paper requires the use of at least one professional resource.
You will need:
An introductory paragraph which explains what you would like to improve
Another paragraph which explains the step where you hope to change the pattern and insert a quality improvement process
Another paragraph explaining the new flow after you make the change.

Full Answer Section

         

Current Process

The current process for medication administration involves the following steps:

  1. Assess Patient: Verify patient identity, allergies, and medication orders.
  2. Prepare Medication: Retrieve medication from the medication cart, perform the 5 rights of medication administration (right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time).
  3. Administer Medication: Administer medication to the patient.
  4. Document Administration: Document medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).

Proposed Improvement

To enhance patient safety, we can insert a double-check step into the process. This step involves a second healthcare professional independently verifying the medication, dose, route, and patient identification before administration.

Improved Process

The revised process would look like this:

  1. Assess Patient: Verify patient identity, allergies, and medication orders.
  2. Prepare Medication: Retrieve medication from the medication cart, perform the 5 rights of medication administration.
  3. Double-Check Medication: A second healthcare professional independently verifies the medication, dose, route, and patient identification.
  4. Administer Medication: Administer medication to the patient.
  5. Document Administration: Document medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).

Rationale for Improvement

By adding a double-check step, we can significantly reduce the risk of medication errors, such as administering the wrong medication, wrong dose, or to the wrong patient. This additional layer of verification can help ensure patient safety and improve the overall quality of care.

Implementation Strategies:

To effectively implement this improvement, the following strategies can be considered:

  • Staff Education: Provide comprehensive training to all healthcare staff on the importance of the double-check process and the specific steps involved.
  • Clear Policies and Procedures: Develop clear policies and procedures that outline the double-check process and assign responsibilities.
  • Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to monitor adherence to the double-check process and identify any areas for improvement.
  • Feedback and Recognition: Recognize and reward staff for their commitment to patient safety and adherence to the double-check process.

By implementing this quality improvement initiative, we can enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of care delivered.

Sample Answer

       

Improving Medication Administration: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Introduction

Medication administration is a critical process in healthcare, and ensuring its accuracy and efficiency is paramount to patient safety. In my current clinical practice, I have identified an opportunity to improve the medication administration process by implementing a double-check system. This intervention aims to reduce medication errors and enhance patient safety.