Patient Outcomes Order 742048
Name
Institution
Patient Outcomes Order 742048
Introduction
Several factors contribute to readmission of patients after discharge. Some of the factors are individual, environmental, while others are facility-based. The document discusses approaches to reduce readmission rates in health facilities as well as the process of quality improvement.
Steps for a New Quality Improvement Process
CMS includes the following conditions in assessing readmission rates of hospitals; COPD, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, heart attack, and elective primary Total Knee Arthroplasty or TKA (Rau, 2015). The initial step is identifying specific conditions that led to the penalties like for a case of pneumonia. Also, Collecting data on various aspects of quality approaches such as accessibility, safety, appropriateness, and efficiency of care (Finkelman, 2016 p.444). Moreover, determining the causes of the high admission rates of pneumonia helps in setting the right objectives.
The other step is setting strategies to address the high readmission rates of pneumonia. The process involves evaluating the recent practices on quality care and relating them with other modalities from different health settings for improvement purposes. Another step is developing and examining the interventions aimed at enhancing the standards of services. Moreover, ascertain mistakes and threats to service provision and design and apply the safety standards to improve care (Finkelman, 2016 p.444). Frequently determine the quality of care by examining patient outcomes and community needs.
Practice Improvements Promoting Client Outcomes
Teamwork is a vital care modality in the nursing practice that has been practiced in the facility I work. Collaboration and coordination among health practitioners have led to improved client care. Effective communication among health workers and clients is a practice that enables the specialist to build trust and explore patients’ concerns hence providing better services. Another method is patient education before discharge on prevention measures, adherence to medication, and drugs’ side effects. Follow up of patients after discharge to check on response to treatment and adherence to treatment promotes the patient’s well-being. We have also been collaborating with the communities in the catchment areas to implement activities that improve client well- being.
Conclusion
The process of quality improvement starts with the planning stage. It is crucial in problem-solving and improving patient care and safety. It also helps to identify barriers to quality care and addressing them early. Besides, collaboration among health workers helps in improving the standard of health services provided to patients.
References
Finkelman, A. (2016). Leadership and management for nurses: Core competencies for quality care (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Rau, J. (2015). Half of the nation’s hospitals fail again to escape Medicare’s readmission penalties. Kaiser Health News. Retrieved from http://khn.org/news/half-of-nations-hospitals-fail-again-to-escape-medicares-readmission-penalties/