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 using transitions to connect ideas and concepts.
- Evaluate current evidenced-based quality and/or safety program designs that can be implemented to improve the quality and/or safety outcomes for your selected quality and/safety issue at your identified health care entity. Based on this evaluation, propose an evidence-based quality and/or safety program to address your selected issue from Part 1. Explain how your proposed design will better improve the outcomes for the selected quality and/or safety issue as compared to the program currently in place at the health care entity.
- Identify potential obstacles (such as economics or ethical issues) that may hinder the implementation of the proposed quality and/or safety program and suggest ways to overcome these.
- Identify stakeholders within the selected health care entity with whom you may need to collaborate and discuss the role of each stakeholder in the implementation of the proposed program. In the identification of stakeholders, also include specific groups and leaders that are needed.
- Identify a change management theory you will use to support the implementation of your quality and/or safety program. Provide evidence that supports the use of this theory within the program you designed.
- Discuss the expected outcomes of the implementation of your proposed quality and/or safety program and ways to ensure sustainability of the expected outcomes.
Feed back from paper 1: missing purpose statement
***** must synthesize paper 1 ( attached ) with this assignment *****
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and it is essential to evaluate and improve the quality and safety programs that are in place to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This paper focuses on the synthesis of Part 1 and Part 2, followed by an evaluation of current evidenced-based quality and safety program designs to address the selected issue from Part 1. The paper proposes an evidence-based quality and safety program design to enhance outcomes for the identified issue. The potential obstacles that could hinder the implementation of the proposed program, stakeholders’ identification, change management theory, and expected outcomes’ discussion, including sustainability, are also explored.
1. Synthesis of Part 1 and Part 2
Part 1 identified the issue of medication errors, one of the leading causes of patient harm, and the need to implement programs that promote safe medication use to mitigate the risk of errors. Part 2 built on this issue by introducing the concept of quality and safety programs and identifying a specific program, the “Six sigma” program. The Six sigma program’s aim is to eliminate defects in processes and implement efficient systems that minimize errors.
2. Evaluation of Current Evidenced-Based Quality and/or Safety Program Designs
Numerous evidenced-based quality and safety programs are suitable for improving the medication process and thereby reducing errors. For example, the Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program leverages pharmacists’ expertise to provide medication education and immunization services, enhancing the medication process’s safety. The medication reconciliation program facilitates medication histories’ accuracy and reconciles medication discrepancies, enhancing medication safety. Based on the evaluation, a combination of the above programs and the Six sigma program proposed in part 2 could enhance medication safety and quality.
3. Identification of Potential Obstacles and Suggested Solutions
One potential obstacle is economics, given that implementing the proposed program may require significant financial resources. Creating awareness among the management teams about the benefits of implementing the program may help overcome resistance resulting from economic constraints. Ethical issues, such as patient confidentiality, are another potential hurdle that could impede the program’s implementation. Ensuring that patient privacy is maintained throughout the program may overcome these issues.
4. Identification of Stakeholders and Collaboration Plans
Stakeholders are instrumental in implementing the proposed program’s success; therefore, identifying critical stakeholders within the healthcare entity is crucial. These include pharmacists, physicians, nursing staff, and other medical profession staff members. Leaders such as the chief medical officer, the chief nursing officer, the chief pharmacists, and the hospital administrators will also play a pivotal role in implementing the proposed program.
5. Change Management Theory and Evidence for Usage
The Lewin’s Change Management Theory would be useful in supporting the implementation of the proposed program. This theory outlines the need to unfreeze, change, and refreeze organizational structures to facilitate change. It has proven successful in managing change in healthcare settings, with research showing a link between change management theory implementation and positive patient outcomes.
6. Expected Outcomes and Sustainability
The proposed program should result in improved medication safety, reduced medication errors, and, ultimately, enhanced patient outcomes. To ensure sustainability, the program should be fully integrated into the existing healthcare entity’s systems and processes, with regular evaluations to monitor its effectiveness. Additionally, regular staff training programs to reinforce the importance of the medication safety program should be deployed to maintain the staff’s ownership of the program.
Conclusion
Implementing an evidence-based medication safety program within healthcare entities’ structures is essential to eliminate medication errors and enhance patient outcomes. It involves evaluating current programs, identifying potential obstacles, collaborating with stakeholders, implementing a change management theory, and ensuring sustainability for expected outcomes. Healthcare industry stakeholders must remain vigilant and focused on creating and promoting safety programs to ensure optimal patient outcomes.