Key points of the quality improvement initiative
The proposed initiative will focus on improving the outcomes of the healthcare outcomes within the facility. The level of RN education/certification positively correlates with patient outcomes (Clarke & Persaud, 2011; Kelly, 2007; Repasky, 2009). Therefore, a healthcare facility with nurses who have limited education and training would be characterized by poor patient outcomes. On the other hand, a healthcare organization with nurses who have high levels of education would have high-quality patient outcomes. Therefore, the project will aim at ensuring that the facility has nurses with high levels of education within a period of 5 years.
The root cause analysis model will be used to improve the quality of patient outcomes based on the RN education/certification indicator. The approach will be based on the analysis of past and current quality problems that result in low-quality healthcare outcomes (Kelly, 2007). The model was selected because it involves a holistic approach to identifying and solving quality problems in organizations. The project will cost $4 million.
Problem and mission statement
The SMART criteria were used to clearly capture the stated problem and mission. The problem is specific and measurable. Also, the anticipated mission is specific and measurable so that the success level of the initiative could be determined. The goals of an initiative that are specific have greater chances of being achieved than those that are not specific (Sennett, 2010). The mission goals will be attainable and realistic. The project will be measured through the use of quantifiable parameters. The time component of projects is important because time is a limited resource (Kelly, 2007). In most cases, time correlates positively with financial implications for firms. It is recommended that all projects should adopt SMART goals so that they can have excellent results.
The argument for the quality improvement initiative
The principles of the initiative were aligned with those of the organization so that the management could fund the project. In fact, the priorities of the facility were considered before the initiative goals were formulated. Some of the priorities of the healthcare organization are excellent customer service and high-quality patient outcomes. The strategic plan of Summit Surgery Center aims at using various approaches to offer high-quality care to patients at all times. The quality improvement project focuses on improving the quality of healthcare outcomes based on the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Therefore, the program will be backed by the management because it is founded on the principles of the healthcare facility.
How the facility addresses internal and external requirements
It is important for healthcare initiatives to address external requirements for quality care and patient safety (Kelly, 2007). The initiative takes into account that external bodies of quality standards require healthcare organizations to adhere to the standards that promote high-quality care. The initiative also considers the patient safety requirements that are set by external bodies that focus on ensuring patient safety in healthcare centers.
References
Clarke, C. M., & Persaud, D. D. (2011). Leading clinical handover improvement: a change strategy to implement best practices in the acute care setting. Journal of Patient Safety, 7(1), 11–18.
Kelly, D. L. (2007). Applying quality management in healthcare: a systems approach. Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.
Repasky, L. (2009). To hit the bull’s-eye, you need a target. Use your mission, vision statements to meet challenges, focus staff. Medical Group Management Association Connexion, 9(7), 33–34.
Sennett, C. (2010). Healthcare reform: Quality outcomes measurement and reporting. American Health & Drug Benefits. Web.