Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal

Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal

HLT313V Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal

HLT-313v Week 1 Topic 1 Discussion 1

Select and profile (a) a high-level job position you aspire to secure in your chosen allied health field and (b) a same-level position in a different and unrelated allied health care field. What educational and professional qualifications must each individual in this high-level position possess?

What is the typical career path to arrive at each position? Compare and contrast the responsibilities each position entails in regards to workplace safety, risk management, and/or quality of service, and identify one element from each career path that might benefit the other. Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal

HLT-313v Week 1 Topic 1 Discussion 2

Review the biographical sketches of your classmates in this course and select an individual in an allied health career field or position that is different than your own current position or proposed career path. Using your readings, the GCU Library, and Internet association or government websites, identify the safety, risk-management, or quality-based scope of the classmate’s job.

Engage in a dialog with the classmate about whether or not the stated responsibilities are those actually experienced by the individual. How are they the same? How are they different? What “real life” activities in this area does your classmate perform that are not discussed in the official literature? What factors may cause any discrepancies between stated and actual job responsibilities?

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HLT-313v Week 1 Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal

Allied health professionals are uniquely qualified in many ways to recommend, implement, and provide valuable feedback regarding safety considerations, risk management, and quality of service across multiple levels within a health care organization.

For this assignment, develop a 1,250-1,500 word proposal inclusive of the following elements:

The proposal identifies and promotes one specific safety, risk management or quality improvement initiative that is recognized or proven to be successful Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal.

The proposed idea would benefit your employer/organization, or if you are not currently employed in this capacity, would benefit an organization in your city/region in your chosen health care field.

The proposal must include and define roles for the organization’s top/corporate management, facility/department management, and the role of the individual allied health professional in implementing the proposed initiative’s activities Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal.

Use the “Topic 1 Assignment Template” for crafting your proposal. Appendices are optional; if needed to support a point or idea in your proposal, please attach tables or graph resources in this section and not in the body of the proposal.

You are required to use and cite a minimum of three qualified resources from the readings or the GCU Library in order to complete this assignment successfully.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal.

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Policy Patient Safety

In the ever-changing healthcare field, there is a growing emphasis on achieving the Quadruple Aim to facilitate substantial improvements. The Quadruple Aim expands beyond traditional concerns surrounding patient outcomes and encompasses enhancing the patient experience, improving population health, reducing costs, and prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers (Johnson, 2020). The Quadruple Aim is an augmentation of the Triple Aim (increasing patient experience, improving population health, and lowering costs) to incorporate an extra goal of improving healthcare personnel’s work lives (Arnetz et al., 2020). 

Ensuring a positive patient experience involves more than just providing effective treatment; it also entails empathetic communication and strategies that prioritize the needs of patients. At the same time, efforts toward improving population health call for proactive measures like preventive care and community engagement. It is crucial to strike a careful balance by devising cost-effective strategies without compromising the quality of care delivered.

Furthermore, a comprehensive approach is necessary in long-term care settings to fulfill the objectives of the Quadruple Aim. Providing satisfactory experiences for patients becomes crucial as they receive prolonged care. According to Bachynsky (2019), healthcare administrators, especially directors of nursing, are responsible for shaping policies that promote a patient-centered care culture. 

At the same time, there is a challenge in maintaining and continuously improving patient safety standards to avoid medical errors among frontline nursing staff members. This article explores practical strategies for implementing the principles of the Quadruple Aim. It examines how healthcare leaders can guide efforts toward cost-effective, high-quality care while prioritizing improved patient satisfaction and enhanced patient safety measures.

Application Of the Principles of The Quadruple Aim Initiative to Improve Quality, Safety, and Satisfaction in The Acute Care or Long-Term Care Setting

The Quadruple Aim is a compass that points the way to comprehensive excellence in the ever-changing healthcare industry. To bring about significant change, exploring how these concepts might be applied in both short-term and long-term care environments is crucial, considering the unique obstacles and possibilities each offers.

Acute Care Setting

In the acute care environment, good communication is critical. Implementing communication training programs for healthcare providers, ensuring empathetic interactions, and actively involving patients in decision-making contribute to a positive patient experience (Ruben et al., 2020). Personalizing treatment regimens according to each patient’s unique requirements, preferences, and cultural norms is important in moving towards a patient-centered approach. As Madden et al. (2021) contend, patients can feel more empowered and actively involved in their care when feedback loops and bedside reporting are integrated.

Proactive healthcare measures can significantly impact population health. Acute care settings can engage in community outreach programs, health education initiatives, and preventive screenings to address health issues before they escalate. By forming alliances with community resources like public health organizations and neighborhood clinics, acute care facilities can expand their impact beyond the confines of the hospital. As Johnson (2020) notes, this collaboration fosters a continuum of care, addressing not only immediate health concerns but also the broader determinants of health.

Efficient resource management is central to cost reduction. Data analytics can be used in acute care settings to determine where resources are wasted, how to improve workflows, and how many staff members are needed (Moreno‐Fergusson et al., 2021). The shift to value-based care models encourages healthcare practitioners to focus on cost-effective interventions that meet patient outcomes standards by linking reimbursement to the quality of care rather than the quantity of services (Song et al., 2019). 

Acute care facilities should institute policies that put providers’ health first because healthcare is a demanding career. Examples include encouraging a healthy work-life balance, giving resources for mental health, and creating an encouraging environment for employees (Shanafelt et al., 2019). Healthcare practitioners report higher levels of satisfaction and engagement when they have opportunities for continuous professional growth. As Walsh et al. (2019) reiterate, the workforce can benefit from investments in training programs, mentorship activities, and career promotion pathways.

Long-term Care Setting

In settings that provide extended and often chronic care, such as long-term care facilities, the Quadruple Aim specifically focuses on prioritizing patient satisfaction, safety, and the well-being of residents and healthcare providers. To achieve this aim in long-term care settings, it is crucial to prioritize personalized care plans that consider each resident’s specific needs, preferences, and goals (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). Regularly assessing and adjusting these care plans in collaboration with residents and their families can foster a sense of autonomy and satisfaction.

Loneliness and social isolation are common issues faced by individuals in long-term care—implementing programs that promote social engagement – including group activities and community outings. To enhance patient safety and minimize errors in medication management, healthcare facilities can implement robust systems such as electronic medication administration records barcoding and provide regular staff training. As espoused by Clemson et al. (2019), a comprehensive approach to fall prevention that includes risk assessments, environmental modifications, and staff training can contribute to a safer care environment.

Long-term care settings often face challenges with staffing. Organizations can positively impact staff satisfaction and retention by implementing supportive staffing models considering workload, adequate staffing ratios, and professional development opportunities (Demiris et al., 2020). Fostering a collaborative team environment where different healthcare professionals work together seamlessly promotes shared responsibility and support. Regular interdisciplinary team meetings and open communication channels contribute to cultivating a positive work culture within the organization. By incorporating these principles into their daily operations, healthcare leaders can create environments prioritizing patient experience, safety, and satisfaction while considering the healthcare workforce’s well-being.

The Role of a Healthcare Administrator

Beyond administrative duties, a potential director of nursing or healthcare administrator must be dedicated to promoting excellence in healthcare delivery. This includes taking a proactive and strategic approach to improving patient safety, cost-effective quality care, and patient satisfaction. According to Johnson (2020), optimizing resource utilization would be paramount to a healthcare leader. This entails putting data-driven ideas into practice to find inefficiencies, optimize operations, and raise the standard of care given. 

Working with interdisciplinary teams, I would promote evidence-based procedures and technology that enhance patient outcomes while lowering costs over the long run. Maintaining sustained quality in patient care while optimizing resource efficiency would require implementing continual quality improvement activities and routinely evaluating the effectiveness of treatment regimens.

Patient satisfaction is deeply intertwined with the overall healthcare experience. I would support improving patient engagement, communication, and transparency to raise satisfaction levels. By using patient feedback tools like focus groups and questionnaires, healthcare providers can gain important insights that can be used to customize patient treatment (Ruben et al., 2020). Furthermore, promoting a patient-centered culture among medical personnel via continual education and acknowledgment initiatives will help create a setting where patients’ needs and preferences are prioritized.

As far as healthcare administration is concerned, patient safety cannot be compromised. I would advocate for implementing robust patient safety protocols, leveraging technology for error reduction, and fostering a culture of accountability. A thorough patient safety policy would include ongoing training for frontline staff, event reporting systems, and regular safety audits (Johnson, 2020). Engaging in proactive risk management and ensuring safe and effective healthcare by collaborating with quality improvement teams and remaining up to date on the newest developments in healthcare safety practices is imperative. 

As a director of nursing or healthcare administrator, my job would entail strategic decision-making and active participation in creating a healthcare environment that places a premium on high patient satisfaction, cost-effective quality care, and a steadfast dedication to patient safety. I want to help achieve the Quadruple Aim by bringing together leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to ongoing development. This will help create a healthcare environment that is effective but also patient-centered and compassionate.

Minimizing Medical Errors Among Frontline Nursing Staff

A comprehensive and proactive approach is necessary to reduce medical errors among frontline nursing staff. This includes implementing extensive training programs, integrating technology effectively, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. As a healthcare leader, it is essential to implement specific strategies prioritizing patient safety within the organization.

Implementing comprehensive and continuous training programs for frontline nursing staff is essential. These programs should focus on technical skills and emphasize critical thinking, situational awareness, and effective communication (Clemson et al., 2019). Integration of simulation exercises, reflective learning sessions, and case reviews will be crucial components as they allow nurses to learn from real-life scenarios in a controlled setting. Ongoing education ensures that staff members stay updated on best practices and promotes a culture of learning and adaptability.

Medication mistakes essentially cause adverse events. Error risk can be significantly decreased by putting technology solutions like barcoding systems, computerized physician order entry (CPOE), and electronic medication administration records (eMAR) into practice. By offering dose checks, real-time verification, and alarms for possible drug interactions, these systems improve the precision and security of medication administration (Moreno‐Fergusson et al., 2021). 

Creating effective channels of communication is essential in preventing and addressing medical errors. Encouraging an atmosphere that allows frontline nursing staff to report mistakes openly, without fear of negative consequences, promotes transparency within healthcare organizations (Fencl et al., 2021). Regular team huddles, debriefings, and fostering an environment where questions are welcomed help proactively identify and address potential issues.

Healthcare organizations must adopt a systematic approach to root cause analysis following any identified medical error. According to Singh et al. (2021), this includes conducting comprehensive investigations to determine the underlying causes and implementing corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. Furthermore, fostering a culture of continuous improvement encourages staff members to contribute to identifying potential risks and proposing innovative solutions actively. Regular review meetings and feedback loops significantly create an environment prioritizing learning from mistakes.

Effective interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial in preventing medical errors. This can be achieved through regular team meetings, joint training sessions, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility. By promoting open communication and coordination among healthcare professionals from different departments, the likelihood of errors due to miscommunication or lack of coordination can be reduced (Ruben et al., 2020). Investing in continuous training, embracing technology solutions, conducting thorough error analyses, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration are key strategies that healthcare leaders can implement to prioritize patient safety and mitigate the risk of medical errors at the front lines of care.

Conclusion

As a paradigm, the Quadruple Aim goes beyond typical measurements, including patient experience, population health, cost savings, and provider well-being. A holistic approach to acute treatment is required, emphasizing compassionate communication and preventive community health interventions. Long-term care necessitates personalized plans, social involvement, and stringent safety precautions. As healthcare administrators, particularly as directors of nursing, it is critical to optimize resources, develop patient-centered cultures, and prioritize safety. This investigation demonstrates the commitment to holistic healthcare, adding to ongoing discussions about efficient, compassionate, and patient-centered healthcare delivery.

Assignment – Workplace Safety Initiative Proposal References

Arnetz, B. B., Goetz, C. M., Arnetz, J. E., Sudan, S., vanSchagen, J., Piersma, K., & Reyelts, F. (2020). Enhancing healthcare efficiency to achieve the quadruple aim: An exploratory study. BMC Research Notes, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-020-05199-8

Bachynsky, N. (2019). Implications for policy: The triple aim, quadruple aim, and interprofessional collaboration. Nursing Forum, 55(1), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12382

Clemson, L., Stark, S., Pighills, A. C., Torgerson, D. J., Sherrington, C., & Lamb, S. E. (2019). Environmental interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd013258

Demiris, G., Hodgson, N. A., Sefcik, J. S., Travers, J. L., McPhillips, M. V., & Naylor, M. D. (2020). High-value care for older adults with complex care needs: Leveraging nurses as innovators. Nursing Outlook, 68(1), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2019.06.019

Fencl, J. L., Willoughby, C., & Jackson, K. (2021). Just culture: The foundation of staff safety in the perioperative environment. AORN Journal, 113(4), 329–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.13352

Johnson, S. (2020). The Quadruple Aim in Nursing and Healthcare: Improving Care, Lowering Costs, Serving Populations, Elevating Work Life. In Google Books. McFarland. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=xDnlDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=The+Quadruple+Aim+expands+beyond+traditional+concerns+surrounding+patient+outcomes+and+encompasses+enhancing+the+patient+experience

Kwame, A., & Petrucka, P. M. (2021). A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: Barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nursing, 20(158), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00684-2

Madden, C., Lydon, S., Murphy, A. W., & O’Connor, P. (2021). Patients’ perception of safety climate in Irish general practice: A cross-sectional study. BMC Family Practice, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-021-01603-9

Moreno‐Fergusson, M. E., Guerrero Rueda, W. J., Ortiz Basto, G. A., Arevalo Sandoval, I. A. L., & Sanchez–Herrera, B. (2021). Analytics and lean health care to address nurse care management challenges for inpatients in emerging economies. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 53(6), 803–814. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12711

Ruben, M. A., Blanch‐Hartigan, D., & Hall, J. A. (2020). Communication skills to engage patients in treatment. The Wiley Handbook of Healthcare Treatment Engagement, 274–296. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119129530.ch15

Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P., Sinsky, C., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Satele, D. V., Carlasare, L. E., & Dyrbye, L. N. (2019). Changes in burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration in physicians and the general US working population between 2011 and 2017. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 94(9). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.10.023

Singh, G., Patel, R. H., & Boster, J. (2021). Root cause analysis and medical error prevention. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570638/

Song, Z., Ji, Y., Safran, D. G., & Chernew, M. E. (2019). Health care spending, utilization, and quality 8 years into global payment. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(3), 252–263. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmsa1813621

Walsh, A. L., Lehmann, S., Zabinski, J., Truskey, M., Purvis, T., Gould, N. F., Stagno, S., & Chisolm, M. S. (2019). Interventions to prevent and reduce burnout among undergraduate and graduate medical education trainees: A systematic review. Academic Psychiatry, 43(4), 386–395. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-019-01023-z