Introduction
Quality improvement requires approaches that are suitable to specific areas and operations. In addition, information technology is useful in helping QI measurement while benchmarks and indicators are crucial in identifying QI progress. In that respect, this report refers to Baptist Health South Florida QI plan and presents an analysis of methodologies for integrating QI into performance measurements. In addition, it analyzes information technology applications as components of the QI management. Further, recommendations are made for the suitable methodology and application given the chosen area of improvement. Finally, the use of benchmarks and indicators is explained in reference to the hospital’s vision, mission and strategic plan.
- Methodologies description
There are several methodologies through which the QI strategies can be integrated into Performance measures. They include workings a system and a process, focusing on patients and a focus on the use of data. (Leape & Berwick, 2000)
- Working as a system
The organization needs to understand the service delivery system in order to make improvements. In that respect, it entails recognizing that resources and processes must be addresses together to improve the quality of care. (HRSA, 2014) However, the approach is not conclusive on its own as it requires a blend with other approaches that focus on the recipients of the services. That means that the approach could overlook the importance of patients.
- Focusing on Patients
The extent to which patients needs and expectations are met is a crucial measure of a hospital’s service quality. Thus, services should be patients focused in order to meet those expectations and needs by addressing patient's safety, supporting their engagement providing evidence-based care and using systems that enhance the patient's access. (Leape & Berwick, 2000) However Focusing on patients is complex as it requires adequate resources to monitor individual patient’s and tailor services to their needs.
- Focusing on Use of the Data
Data is taken as the cornerstone of an organization’s QI. In that respect, it is used for description of the systems operations and efficiency as well as in measuring the effects of changes. Thus, use of data helps in establishing a baseline, separating the real situation from unrealistic expectations as reducing placement of ineffective solutions. (HRSA, 2014)
The Baptist Health South Florida hospital will focus on improving the quality of service delivery. In addition, given that the hospital already has considerable data from its various sources including practice management system and clinical records. It also includes External evaluations and satisfaction surveys; the focus on data is the chosen methodology for Baptist Health South California. That is because it is in line with the technology method to be applied in use of electronic health records. In addition, the use of data is crucial in addressing the issue of service delivery quality as it will help in tracking the past results of different service delivery approaches and practices. (Leape & Berwick, 2000)
- Chosen information technology application’s description
Electronic Health Records will be the applied Information technology application. It plays a crucial role in identifying further opportunities to improve effectiveness and quality. The EHR will offer features among them the electronic exchange interoperability of the patients’ records. Thus, it will help in developing new tools for delivering functions such as drugs prescriptions hence supporting provision of evidence-based healthcare. That will involve the incorporation of the service delivery evolving practice guides on the point of care accessible formats. In that view, it will enhance access to large data network for quality related research. (HRSA, 2014)
In the hospital’s effort to enhance clinical decision support, the EHR based technology will be useful in improving the hospital’s care delivery in a continuous process. Thus, it will drive the hospital’s services towards personalized services in a bid to achieve the healthcare’s quality. It will also help the providers in coping with an increased number of clinical decisions swell as the acceleration of knowledge development. (HRSA, 2014)
- Benchmarks and milestones involvement in managing the use of quality indicators.
Benchmarks, as well as indicators, are useful in QI as they provide a basis of accountability for the process. In that respect, benchmarks act as a reference point for determining the achievement relative to the set objectives. Thus, benchmarks will provide a baseline from which achievements can be made. On the other hand, milestones and indicators will help in identifying what will be measured. Thus, the QI plan will include benchmarks and milestones that will be useful for measuring success in enhancing the quality of service delivery. (Leape & Berwick, 2000)
In that respect, the hospital will have customer satisfaction and patients’ health outcome as the quality indicators. Thus, there will be benchmarks and milestones including the target to provide all services to a patient at a single visit in an inclusive service delivery. That will be measured by the number of visits a patient makes to the hospital seeking a single service as well as in need of a single medical process. That will be setting standards that patients’ issues are addressed in a one shop system. (Loeb, 2004)
- Performance and quality measures alignment to an organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan in general.
The performance measures, benchmarks as well as the applied methodology should all be in line with the organization’s mission, vision and strategic plan. That is because the aspects have an effect on the organization’s system and performance all that are integrated as a means of achieving the strategic plan’s goals through the set mission. Thus, setting measures that identify progress and benchmarks for quality improvement enhances the goals achievement. (HRSA, 2014)
In that respect, Baptist Health South Florida has a mission to improve wellbeing and the health of individuals while promoting the preservation of life and sanctity in all the communities in which it operates. In that respect, the hospital is committed to maintaining high standards in service and clinical excellence. In addition, the hospital’s services are rooted in moral practice and integrity. Further, the hospital’s services are sought consistency with its spiritual foundation hence the pursuit and dedication to delivering high-quality service in compassionate and cost effective services. (Baptist Health South Florida, 2014) Thus, the measures applied are in line with the pursuit of high-quality care that is cost efficient through quick turnaround of patients and quick and quality service to patients. That is because quick and effective service delivery will enhance individual patients’ welfare as envisioned by the hospital. (Loeb, 2004)
Conclusion
In view of the analysis, the three primary approaches to heath care QI measurements are; focus on patients, working as a system and focus on data. However, with the QI’s chosen area for the Baptist Health being service delivery improvement, focus on data is the recommended methodology. In addition, electronic health records (HER) application system is recommended for the purpose of providing evidence-based care and capturing service delivery data, The data will be crucial in measuring progress and enhancing service delivery process. Finally, customer satisfaction and patients’ treatment outcomes are the suitable indicators of QI while a single patient visit solution is the benchmark for the process. In that view, the benchmark is in line with the hospital’s vision, mission and strategic plan of being the leading healthcare institution in terms of quality and affordability.
References
Baptist Health South Florida. (2014). About Baptist Health. Retrieved from,
http://baptisthealth.net/en/about-baptist-health/pages/defaultaspx
HRSA. (2014). Quality Improvement Management. Retrieved from,
http://www.hrsa.gov/quality/toolbox/methodology/qualityimprovement/index.html
Leape L. & Berwick D. (2000). Safe Health Care. BMJ. 320, 725-726.
Loeb J. (2004). The current state of performance measures in healthcare. International
