Write a paper (2,000-2,500 words) that provides the following: Incorporate all necessary revisions and corrections for Part 1. Synthesize the different elements of Part 1 and Part 2 into one paper us

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Quality and Sustainability: Part 1

Name

University

DNP-835A: Patient Outcomes and Sustainable Change

Date

Dr.

Quality and Sustainability: Part 1

There are many ways to define quality and safety measures. However, generally, they can be thought of as methods or processes used to ensure that products or services meet specific standards and are safe for consumers. Quality measures may include third-party certification, inspection processes, and standards compliance (Newhouse, 2020). Safety measures include hazard analysis, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness planning. Quality and safety measures are essential in nursing practice today because they help ensure that patients receive the best possible care (Newhouse, 2020). Quality measures help nurses identify areas where care can be improved, and safety measures help prevent errors and accidents. By working together, quality and safety measures can help nurses to provide the highest standard of care possible. 

One example of a quality measure is the use of the evidence-based practice. This means using the best available evidence to make decisions about patient care. This can involve reviewing research studies, guidelines from professional organizations, and patient outcomes data (Newhouse, 2020). By using the best evidence available, nurses can ensure that they provide the most effective care possible. 

Safety measures are also crucial in nursing practice. One example of a safety measure is the use of checklists. Checklists can help nurses to remember to do everything that needs to be done when caring for a patient. This can help to prevent errors from happening. Another example of a safety measure is the use of technology (Abdelmenem, 2019). Technology can help nurses keep track of patients' data and communicate with other healthcare team members. Using technology, nurses can help ensure that patients receive the best possible care. 

Evaluation of two barriers

Inadequate communication between providers and patients

Inadequate communication between providers and patients is a significant barrier to adequate health care. One way to overcome this is by increasing provider-patient communication. This can be done by providing training to providers on how to better communicate with patients, as well as making sure that there is adequate time for provider-patient interactions (Bridge, 2019). Another way to improve communication is using electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can help to facilitate communication between providers and patients by providing a central location for information exchange (Bridge, 2019).

High costs

High costs are another significant barrier to adequate health care. One way to reduce costs is by increasing efficiency and coordination within the health care system. This can be done by improving provider communication and collaboration and implementing cost-effective technologies (Chen et al., 2018). Another way to reduce costs is through long-term contracts with providers. These contracts can help ensure that providers are paid a fixed amount for their services, which can help control costs.

Description of two facilitators

Providing financial assistance or subsidies to low-income patients to promote access to quality care

Offering financial assistance or subsidies to low-income patients to ensure they access quality care is an excellent move. According to research by the Commonwealth Fund, it is estimated that nearly 30 percent of Americans cannot afford to pay their medical bills (Chen et al., 2018). This number is only bound to increase given the rising health care costs. Providing financial assistance will help low-income patients afford quality care and reduce the number of people unable to access quality care. 

Negotiating better prices with suppliers to cut the high costs of care.

Health care can be expensive, and one of the most significant barriers for low-income patients is the cost of care. According to a National Center for Health Statistics report, in 2017, 27.5% of adults aged 18 years and over reported not visiting a doctor when they needed to because of the cost (Oksman & Hujala, 2017). The truth is that this is a significant number, and negotiating better prices with suppliers can help reduce the cost of care. This, in turn, will help low-income patients afford quality care and improve their health outcomes. 

Description of the Healthcare Entity

Health care entity is a large, for-profit hospital in the northeastern United States. It has been operating for over 100 years and employs over 5,000 people. The hospital provides various services, including emergency care, surgery, and cancer treatment. It also has a research department conducting clinical trials and developing new treatments. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is a member of the American Hospital Association. It is also a teaching hospital affiliated with a medical school. The hospital firmly commits to community outreach and provides free or low-cost care to those in need.

Description of the Contemporary Quality/Safety Issue

Patient satisfaction is one quality and safety issue measured at this learner's health care entity. Patient satisfaction is an important quality metric because it can indicate whether or not patients are receiving the high-quality care they expect and deserve (Brooks-Carthon et al., 2019). In nursing practice, patient satisfaction is typically measured through surveys that ask patients about their experiences with the hospital and its staff. The results of these surveys can help hospital leaders identify areas where improvements need to be made.

Research indicates that several factors contribute to high levels of patient satisfaction. These include having enough staff to provide quality care, providing clear information to patients and their families, and respecting patients' rights and privacy (Brooks-Carthon et al., 2019). Nurses can play a crucial role in promoting patient satisfaction by ensuring that these factors are present in their practice.

Programs to address the quality issue

This learner's health care entity has several programs to address patient satisfaction. One of these is a patient advocacy program, which provides a way for patients to give feedback about their experiences and promptly address their concerns. The hospital also conducts regular surveys of patients and uses the results to inform its quality improvement efforts (Fowler et al., 2020). Additionally, the hospital has implemented a staffing model that ensures enough nurses on each unit to provide high-quality care. This model includes having a certain number of nurses on duty and using overtime and agency staff as needed to fill any gaps. Finally, the hospital provides training for all staff on how to best communicate with patients and their families.

Description of the key quality measures/components to measure outcomes of the healthcare program

Many key quality measures or components are used to analyze the hospital's patient satisfaction levels. These include the results of patient surveys, the hospital's turnover rate, and the number of complaints received. Surveys are essential for measuring patient satisfaction because they provide a way to collect feedback directly from those who have experienced the hospital's care (Arslunian, 2021). The turnover rate can indicate satisfaction because it shows how many employees are leaving the hospital. A high turnover rate can signal that employees are unhappy with their job or the hospital's working conditions (Arslunian, 2021). Finally, the number of complaints can provide insights into areas where the hospital needs improvement. Additionally, the hospital monitors how well it is meeting its staffing goals and tracks the number of patients who leave without being seen (LWBS). By analyzing these measures, the hospital can identify areas where improvements must be made.

Discussion

Overall, the hospital's patient satisfaction levels are good. However, there are always areas that can be improved. For example, the hospital could work on reducing its turnover rate and the number of complaints it receives. Additionally, the hospital could continue to monitor its staffing levels and ensure that there are enough nurses on each unit to provide quality care. Finally, the hospital could provide more training for staff on how to best communicate with patients and their families. The hospital can further improve its patient satisfaction levels by continuing to work on these areas.

Summary of the specific variables used to track the improvement of patient satisfaction.

The hospital tracks the number of variables to measure the success of its patient satisfaction program. The first variable is patient feedback from surveys. The feedback helps hospital staff identify areas of improvement (Zavareh, 2017). The second variable is the turnover rate. A high turnover rate can signal those employees are unhappy with their job or the hospital's working conditions. The third variable is the number of complaints received. If the hospital receives many complaints, it can look into the areas of concern and make changes to improve the quality of care. The fourth variable is the hospital's staffing levels (Zavareh, 2017). The hospital's staffing levels ensure that there are enough nurses on each unit to provide quality care. Finally, the hospital monitors its staffing levels and tracks the number of patients who leave without being seen (LWBS) (Zavareh, 2017). By analyzing these variables, the hospital can identify areas where improvements must be made.

References

Abdelmenem, E. (2019). Effect of management program on nursing staff leading role and compliance to follow safety measures at intensive care units. Tanta Scientific Nursing Journal, 17(1), 8-32. https://doi.org/10.21608/tsnj.2019.68094.

Arslunian, C. (2021). Building a successful health outcomes program: Collecting, analyzing, and using clinical data. Journal for Healthcare Quality, 25(4), 49. https://doi.org/10.1097/01445442-200307000-00012.

Bridge, E. (2019). Post-discharge telephone calls: Improving the communication gap between patients, families and healthcare providers. Health Science Inquiry, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.29173/hsi169.

Brooks-Carthon, J., Kutney-Lee, A., Sloane, D., Cimiotti, J., & Aiken, L. (2019). Quality of care and patient satisfaction in hospitals with high concentrations of black patients. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, no-no. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1547-5069.2011.01403.x.

Chen, J., Novak, P., & Goldman, H. (2018). Public health system-delivered mental health preventive care links to significant reduction of health care costs. Population Health Management, 21(6), 462-468. https://doi.org/10.1089/pop.2018.0010.

Fowler, F., Barry, M., Sepucha, K., & Moulton, B. (2020). Let’s require patients to review a high-quality decision aid before receiving important tests and treatments. Medical Care, 59(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1097/mlr.0000000000001440.

Newhouse, R. (2020). Selecting measures for safety and quality improvement initiatives. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(3), 109-113. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005110-200603000-00002.

Oksman, E., & Hujala, A. (2017). Co-designing integrated care: Better everyday life for high needs/high costs clients. International Journal of Integrated Care, 17(5), 170. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.3478.

Zavareh, D. (2017). Client perception on quality improvement in health care services and patient satisfaction. Public Health Open Access, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.23880/phoa-16000111.

Appendix

Barriers and Facilitators