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.
Steps to apply quality improvement principles in your current clinical situation.
Full Answer Section
- Assess Patient: Check patient identification, allergies, and medication orders.
- Prepare Medication: Retrieve medication from the medication cart, perform the 5 rights of medication administration.
- Double-Check Medication: A second nurse independently verifies the medication, dose, route, and patient identification.
- Administer Medication: Administer medication to the patient.
- 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:
- Staff Education: Provide training to all staff members 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
Identifying a Process for Quality Improvement
Process: Medication Administration
Current Process Flowchart:
- Assess Patient: Check patient identification, allergies, and medication orders.
- Prepare Medication: Retrieve medication from the medication cart, perform the 5 rights of medication administration.
- Administer Medication: Administer medication to the patient.
- Document Administration: Document medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).
Identified Area for Improvement:
The step where we can insert a change for quality improvement is Step 3: Administer Medication. We can implement a double-check system to further enhance patient safety.