Performance improvement models were adopted by the healthcare industry to assist in the process of systematic improvement, solve recurring problems, and enhance manager-employee communication. The models share similar steps towards quality improvement, including goal definition, analysis of current practices, improvement design, implementation, and success measurement (Spath, 2019). The FADE model was developed by a management consulting company Organizational Dynamics Inc. as a reconstructed version of PDSA/PDCA cycles. The model can be applied to the problem of patient falls because it is universal and appropriate for different types of performance-related issues.
The FADE cycle incorporates four phases allowing to focus on the problem, develop and implement solutions, and monitor success. First, the initial focus stage introduces the problem that is described in a statement (Spath, 2019). The problem of falls and fall injuries might be formulated in the form of a report based on national statistics or current NDNQI measures, patient complaints, and medical malpractice cases. Second, the analysis phase requires experts to collect relevant data, understand the problem, and find additional information. The review of performance data from monthly and yearly reports on falls and fall injuries can help the Med/Surg unit leaders and nurses define possible causes of the issue. Third, a quality improvement team should propose a solution and a plan for its implementation during the development phase. The collaborative team consisting of key leaders, nurses, and multidisciplinary professionals may recommend a corrective action plan to improve fall risk prevention (LeLaurin & Shorr, 2019). Finally, the execution stage comprises the implementation of the plan and the monitoring of results to detect the need for adjustments. The results can be compared against baseline measurements to decide whether the project was successful or requires additional actions.
References
LeLaurin, J. H., & Shorr, R. I. (2019). Preventing falls in hospitalized patients: State of the science. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 35(2), 273–283. Web.
Spath, P. (2018). Introduction to healthcare quality management (3rd ed.). Health Administration Press.