Quality is the extent at which health care service produces a desired outcome whereas quality improvement is an ongoing process to quality assessment of data about a service in ways that improve the processes by which services are provided to patients (Katzir, Cernes, Biro, Barnea, & Ziv-Ner, 2015)
During my study, I managed to visit the risk management department. I was informed that as far as health care is concerned, risk generates the effect of uncertainty on the set objectives. Therefore, it implies that risk management entails coordination of activities that direct and control the activities of an organization
With the help of the management, I was informed that for quality to be achieved in this organization, certain elements within the organization must be reviewed continuously. The main one is leadership since it is the core of this health facility. Poor leadership is tantamount to poor delivery of health services and may lead to eventual failure of the entire system. Desired outcomes cannot be achieved when there is no strong and consistent leadership (Mortimer & Mortimer, 2015).
System standards or principal objectives ensure effective control of healthcare risks. Quality is managed effectively by implementing risk management system and integrating quality that ensures continuous improvement (Katzir et al., 2015).
There should be appropriate accountability that meets the organization’s objectives at all levels. In addition, continuous monitoring, reviewing, learning and improvement of all aspects of the system by the management ought to be fast-tracked. The latter is an essential process because it will ensure proper configuration of quality and risk management systems and thus achieve the desired outcomes (Mortimer & Mortimer, 2015). This will ensure that the entire system works effectively.
I further attended a committee meeting and learnt about analysis of errors. There are two major procedures involved in processing and analyzing errors. They include identification and explanation of the error. The cause of the error is also identified. Some of the errors may be caused by the natural development of an organization while others are incurred due to lack efficiency and accuracy among members of staff (Katzir et al., 2015).
Root Cause Analysis is a well planned and executed group procedure which aims to determine the main reasons of an event that lead to undesired outcomes. It also seeks to come up with corrective measures. This process provides methods of identifying breakdowns in a system and possible solutions which may prevent similar future occurrences. RCA also investigates why and how the past events took place and determine changes that should be introduced (Katzir et al., 2015).
I also learned that Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) is referred to as potential failure modes and effects analysis. It is a step by step approach that investigates possible causes of failure in achieving organizational goals. Failures are categorized according to the magnitude of their effects, frequency of occurrences and how easily they can be detected.
The above analysis minimizes errors, prevents failure and improves the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization and hence products offered meet the needs of patients. Before undertaking an FMEA process, it is vital to learn more about standards and specific methods that an organization has been using (Mortimer & Mortimer, 2015).
I also learned about Serious Safety Event (SSE). It is a variation from the expected practice followed by a permanent severe harm, moderate permanent harm, death, or significant temporary harm. These extremes are measured by a standard definition borrowed from the Ohio Children’s hospital known as Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS).
In recap, the visit was an eye-opener to me in regards to the strategies laid down by this health facility to continually improve the quality of services provided. Continuous quality improvement in healthcare organizations is a crucial ingredient for patient satisfaction.
References
Katzir, Z., Cernes, R., Biro, A., Barnea, Z., & Ziv-Ner, Z. (2015). Risk Management and Quality Assurance Parameters in one Hemodialysis Center: A Clinical and Patient Care Attitude. Enliven: Nephrol Renal Stud, 2(3), 1-5.
Mortimer, S. T., & Mortimer, D. (2015). Quality and risk management in the IVF laboratory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.