Improving Healthcare Quality
Currently, in the USA medical errors still, poses a big safety concern for the patients admitted to the hospitals. Such an assertion is true given the high numbers of Americans that succumb to death after an experience of safety issues while in hospitals. The statistics of their mortality rate yearly is worrying since approximately 44,000 to 98000 persons are victims of this serious reportable event (Kovner, Knickman, & Jonas, 2011). Thus, establishing a long-lasting solution to correct this phenomenon is of the essence if indeed quality is a priority. An analysis of a quality strategy and its aim of improvement is the central theme of this discussion. Additionally, establishing how interprofessional collaboration can speed up this quality improvement is worth noting.
Firstly, a strategy to combat this medical issue is the use of technology in drug prescription and administration. An approach of this kind is invaluable as it enables the healthcare professionals to bypass this health challenge. The use bar-code readers, computerized physician order entry and infusion pumps in dispensing, documentation and medication administration respectively are befitting example of technology use. They can be effective methods in which an individual is sure of administering the right medication to his/her patients always (Morgenthaler& Harper, 2015).
Moreover, the strategy is effective in ensuring that the safety domain of quality is beyond any form of interference. Medical errors are threats to one’s security, and thus this strategy will mainly target this domain of care. Thus, this is proof enough of its indispensability in improving the quality of attention.
Lastly, this strategy can be even better when a healthcare system promotes multidisciplinary collaboration. Interdisciplinary involvement in this issue is of the essence since this safety concern can occur at any point the patient interacts with a health team member. Communication breakdowns are the leading cause of medical errors(“AHRQ’s Patient Safety Initiative: Building Foundations, Reducing Risk | AHRQ Archive”, 2016). Through collaboration, this quality improvement practice is readily achievable due to the adoption of good communication strategies, which ultimately prevent medical errors.
In closure, medical errors indeed compromise the quality of a healthcare system. Thus, health care professionals need to unite in the development of strategies that can bypass this challenge. Failure to do so can only result in adverse effects of medical errors.
REFERENCES
AHRQ’s Patient Safety Initiative: Building Foundations, Reducing Risk | AHRQ Archive.(2016). Archive.ahrq.gov. Retrieved 6 October 2016, from https://archive.ahrq.gov/research/findings/final-reports/pscongrpt/psini2.html
Kovner, A. R., Knickman, J., & Jonas, S. (2011). Jonas &Kovner’s health care delivery in the United States.New York: Springer Pub.
Morgenthaler, T. & Harper, C. (2015). Getting Rid of “Never Events” in Hospitals. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved 31 August 2016, from https://hbr.org/2015/10/getting-rid-of-never-events-in-hospitals
