NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS

Walden University NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS– Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS

The introduction for the Walden University NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Sample Answer for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODEL

Quality improvement models are frameworks designed to enhance and optimize processes, systems, and outcomes within various industries, including healthcare. This discussion will focus on an explanation of the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) model, the components that make up the RCA improvement model, and the implementation of the RCA improvement model.

An explanation of the RCA improvement model

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a powerful methodology designed to uncover the underlying factors contributing to a problem. This systematic approach involves asking iterative “why” questions to trace issues back to their fundamental origins (Ziemba et al., 2021). In the context of patient falls within healthcare settings, employing the RCA improvement model becomes crucial. This model, widely utilized across industries, offers a structured framework for identifying, understanding, and addressing the root causes of adverse events (Lytle et al., 2021). Its application in nursing practice will significantly improve the healthcare system.

Components that make up the RCA improvement model

The RCA improvement model comprises key components such as problem identification, data collection, timeline creation, and cause identification. By delving into systemic, organizational, or process-related issues, the objective is to prevent the recurrence of problems (Wallace et al., 2022). Applying the RCA model specifically to patient falls underscores its adaptability to address incidents in healthcare, where such falls can lead to severe consequences.

Implementation of the RCA Improvement Model

Implementation of the RCA improvement model in nursing practice is essential for enhancing patient safety. Recognizing patient falls as a critical issue, nurses can systematically follow the steps of problem identification, data collection, timeline creation, and cause identification (Rhodus et al., 2022). Addressing these components in nursing practice is pivotal for improving the quality of care and patient outcomes. Collecting detailed information on patient falls, including patient profiles, environmental factors, staffing levels, and incident reports, provides valuable insights.

A chronological sequence of events leading up to each fall should be diligently documented, including the time of day, patient activities, and nursing staff interventions (Pernstål et al., 2019). Analyzing data using tools like fishbone diagrams or fault tree analysis further categorizes and visualizes factors contributing to falls. Causes may range from inadequate patient assessments to environmental hazards or communication breakdowns.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Root Cause Analysis improvement model in nursing practice is a proactive and systematic approach to enhance patient safety, prevent adverse events, and improve overall healthcare outcomes. By identifying and addressing the root causes of patient falls, healthcare professionals can contribute significantly to the continuous improvement of quality care delivery.

References

Lytle, K. S., Westra, B. L., Whittenburg, L., Adams, M., Akre, M., Ali, S., Furukawa, M., Hartleben, S., Hook, M., Johnson, S. G., Settergren, T. T., & Thibodeaux, M. (2021). Information Models Offer Value to Standardize Electronic Health Record Flowsheet Data: A Fall Prevention Exemplar. Journal of Nursing Scholarship : An Official Publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 53(3), 306–314. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12646

Pernstål, J., Feldt, R., Gorschek, T., & Florén, D. (2019). FLEX-RCA: a lean-based method for root cause analysis in software process improvement. Software Quality Journal, 27(1), 389–428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11219-018-9408-8

Rhodus, E. K. O., Lancaster, E. A. M. C., Hunter, E. G. O., Nudell, T. M., Humphrey, C. O. O., Duke, M., & Harris, A. M. (2022). Occupational Therapy Utilization in Veterans With Dementia: A Retrospective Review of Root Cause Analyses of Falls Leading to Adverse Events. Journal of Patient Safety, 18(2), e503–e507. https://doi.org/10.1097/PTS.0000000000000860

Wallace, D., Cochran, D., Duff, J., Close, J., Murphy, M., Baran, A., & Patel, A. (2022). A Multicentered Academic Medical Center Experience of a Simulated Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for Hematology/Oncology Fellows. Journal of Cancer Education : The Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Education, 37(4), 911–914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01899-8

Ziemba, J. B., Berns, J. S., Huzinec, J. G., Bammer, D., Salva, C., Valentine, E., & Myers, J. S. (2021). The RCA ReCAst: A Root Cause Analysis Simulation for the Interprofessional Clinical Learning Environment. Academic Medicine, 96(7), 997–1001. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000004064

Sample Answer 2 for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODEL

I have selected Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as the quality improvement model for discussion. RCA is a systematic method used to identify the underlying causes of an issue or problem within a healthcare setting (Chuang & Howley, 2013). In my healthcare organization, implementing RCA would involve a structured process to investigate adverse events, near misses, or persistent problems affecting patient care. Firstly, a dedicated team comprising healthcare professionals and relevant stakeholders would be assembled to conduct the analysis. The team would utilize tools such as fishbone diagrams and the “5 Whys” technique to delve deep into the root causes of the identified issue.

Once the root causes are identified, the next step involves developing and implementing corrective actions to address these underlying factors. This may involve changes to protocols, processes, or staff training. Continuous monitoring and evaluation would be essential to assess the effectiveness of the implemented changes and ensure sustained improvement over time. RCA can be integrated into the organizational culture by promoting a blame-free environment where healthcare professionals feel comfortable reporting incidents for analysis without fear of retribution (Latino, 2015). Regular training and education on the RCA process would empower staff at all levels to actively participate in identifying and addressing issues, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the healthcare organization.

Applying RCA in Nursing Practice

In my nursing practice, applying RCA would mean systematically investigating any adverse events or issues affecting patient care. This could include incidents related to medication errors, communication breakdowns, or patient safety concerns. By utilizing the RCA model, I would collaborate with the healthcare team to identify the root causes contributing to these events. Subsequently, implementing changes to nursing protocols, communication strategies, or incorporating additional training would be crucial to prevent the recurrence of similar issues. Emphasizing a culture of learning from mistakes rather than assigning blame is fundamental in encouraging open communication and ensuring the ongoing improvement of patient care in my nursing practice (Nicolini, Waring & Mengis, 2011).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in both healthcare organizations and nursing practice stands as a pivotal strategy for driving quality improvement. By adopting a systematic approach to investigate and understand the underlying causes of adverse events or persistent issues, healthcare professionals can develop targeted and effective corrective actions. In the organizational context, RCA fosters a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging collaboration, transparency, and ongoing evaluation of implemented changes. Similarly, in nursing practice, applying RCA ensures a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, leading to enhanced patient safety and care quality. Embracing RCA not only facilitates the resolution of specific problems but also contributes to the broader goal of creating resilient and adaptive healthcare systems that prioritize continuous learning and improvement.

References 

Chuang, S. and Howley, P.P. (2013), Beyond root cause analysis: An enriched system-oriented event analysis model for wide application. Syst. Engin., 16: 427-438. https://doi.org/10.1002/sys.21246

Latino, R.J. (2015), How is the effectiveness of root cause analysis measured in healthcare? Journal of Healthcare Risk Management, 35: 21-30. https://doi.org/10.1002/jhrm.21198

Nicolini D, Waring J, Mengis J. The challenges of undertaking root cause analysis in health care: A qualitative study. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy. 2011;16(1_suppl):34-41. doi:10.1258/jhsrp.2010.010092

Sample Answer 3 for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODEL

Great post; I am grateful for your informative post on the Quality Improvement Model of Root Cause Analysis. Your insights into systematically identifying underlying causes of adverse events or problems were enlightening. As you pointed out, the model involves several critical steps, including defining the problem, assembling a team, collecting data, identifying the immediate cause, prioritizing root causes, developing action plans, implementing solutions, monitoring and providing feedback, and reporting (Boswell & Cannon, 2022).

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a process for identifying the causal factors underlying variations in performance. In the case of medical error, this variation in performance may result in a sentinel event. A standardized RCA process is mandated by the Joint Commission to identify the cause of medical mistakes and develop strategies to mitigate future errors in healthcare institutions (Lappan et al., 2019),

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and systematic analysis can be instrumental in identifying drivers of attendance and retention. A particularly compelling study examines appointment scheduling, documentation quality, communication channels, systemic access, transportation hurdles, and patient intrinsic motivation. The interdisciplinary team involved in RCA can analyze patient cohort attendance trends and assess difficulties (Silje Liepelt et al., 2023).

References

Boswell, C., & Cannon, S. (2022). Introduction to nursing research: Incorporating evidence-based practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Lappan, S. N., Brown, A. W., & Hendricks, P. S. (2019). Dropout rates of in‐person psychosocial treatment programs for substance use disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Addiction, 115(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14793Links to an external site.

Singh G, Patel RH, Boster J. Root Cause Analysis and Medical Error Prevention. [Updated 2023 May 30]. In: Stat Pearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Stat Pearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570638/

Sample Answer 4 for NURS 8302 Week 8: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MODEL

Quality improvement implementation requires a planned and focused effort for the process to be a success. One of the approaches that can be used is quality improvement models. There are several models which can be used to guide quality improvement. As such, the kind of quality improvement model to be applied depends on the nature of the project. Some of the models include Root Cause Analysis, A3, Lean, and PDSA (Coughling et al.,2019). The chosen quality improvement model is Root Cause Analysis.  It is a systematic model which is used to identify the underlying causes of adverse events or problems. It involves several steps which, when followed, would support the full implementation. The steps involve problem definition, assembling of a team, data collection, identification of the immediate cause, prioritization of the root causes, developing action plans, implementation of solution, monitoring and feedback, and reporting (Boswell & Cannon, 2022).

Adverse events, such as medication error, which causes patient harm, can happen in healthcare settings. Root Cause Analysis as a quality improvement model can be implemented in response to this problem. The identification of the problem as a medication error triggers the need to initiate the quality improvement process to improve patient safety. A multidisciplinary team including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses is then assembled, followed by data collection in connection to the error committed (Rodziewicz & Hipskind, 2020). It is then important to explore the immediate causes of the problem and prioritize the root cause. For example, a cause such as an error in calculating the dosage can be prioritized. Such a step then leads to the development of action plans to address the problem, such as standardization of the dosage calculation tools as an intervention before implementing the initiative. The last steps will entail continuous monitoring and obtaining feedback from staff before documenting and reporting the whole process.

References

Boswell, C., & Cannon, S. (2022). Introduction to nursing research: Incorporating evidence-based practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Coughlin, K., & Posencheg, M. A. (2019). Quality improvement methods–Part II. Journal of Perinatology, 39(7), 1000-1007. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-019-0382-1Links to an external site.

Rodziewicz, T. L., & Hipskind, J. E. (2020). Medical error prevention. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499956/