HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process

ByDaniel Rossi Updated on

HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded, in sentence sentence care. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process Instructions

The purpose of this assignment is to discuss the purpose and use of the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process.

In a 1,000-1,250-word paper, address the following:

  1. Explain the need for CQI in health care.
  2. Describe methods of CQI used in health care.
  3. Describe factors that have an effect on the CQI process.  
  4. Describe the overall impact that the CQI process has on staff.
  5. Describe the overall impact that CQI initiatives have on patient outcomes.

This assignment requires a minimum of three scholarly resources. 

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. Check out HQS 610 Topic 2 DQ 1.

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 LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite Technical Support Articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

HQS 610 Topic 1 Assignment: Continuous Quality Improvement Process Example

Continuous Quality Improvement Process

The healthcare sector is one of the most dynamic fields, driven by the ever-changing patient needs, technology advancement, and advancing body of knowledge. Healthcare professionals update practice to incorporate evidence-based practice, research findings, and technology changes. Thus, professionals are committed to continuously evaluating healthcare practices to meet the desired patient outcomes. These evaluations lead to progressive and incremental change in processes, patient safety, quality of care, or continuous quality improvement. This essay explains the significance of continuous quality improvement, common CQ methods, the factors affecting it, and its impact on staff and patient outcomes.

Need for CQI in Healthcare

Patient needs are always dynamic. For example, there was a need for social distancing and the advent of telehealth visits during COVID-19. Care providers developed strategies, including vaccination, to help reduce the impact of the problems. Continuous quality improvement is necessary to help meet the ever-changing patient needs (O’Donnell & Gupta, 2022). Some healthcare practices are outdated, and some emerging practices are not up to standard (Hill et al., 2020).

Telehealth is a healthcare technology that has led to evolved care service delivery and patient involvement in their care. Other technologies, such as the clinical decision support system, are 100% efficient and require constant research improvement to ensure quality delivery and patient outcomes. These practices and methods require constant improvement to reflect current knowledge and technology. Thus, CQI must ensure that practices are current, high-quality, and efficient in achieving the desired outcomes.

Methods of CQI Used in Healthcare

There are several CQI methods used in healthcare. The major CQI methods are the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) model for the improvement PDSA cycle, Six Sigma, and Lean approach (AHRQ, n.d.). The PDSA cycle is cyclic and entails four interconnected steps. The first step in the cycle is Plan which entails identifying a goal or a purpose and putting a plan into action. In the second step, Do, the plan components are implemented. In the study step, the change managers monitor outcomes to validate the plan for success and progress to help improve it (AHRQ, n.d.). The act step integrates information from other steps to improve the processes and adjust goals, and then the process continues.

The Six Sigma process eliminates waste and defects to enhance quality and efficiency. It helps identify errors and eliminate them. It also utilizes analytical tools to determine and eliminate errors using the DMAIC process. The process requires care providers to define the problem of the process that is the focus of the improvement. The next step is to measure the process of interest, and the third is to analyze it to determine areas for improvement and derive causal relationships (AHRQ, n.d.). The fourth step is to improve the process by addressing the root causes of the problem.

The last step, control, entails monitoring the improved process and managing its future performance. The Lean management process helps streamline the manufacturing and production processes. The emphasis is on minimizing wasteful and unnecessary processes in service delivery. Identifying processes or activities that reduce flow, increase waste or errors, or lead to low value is followed by the 5 S method that helps streamline them: sort, simplify, standardize, shine, and initiate” (AHRQ, n.d.). The CQI methods are most commonly implemented in healthcare.

Factors that Have an Effect on CQI

Continuous quality improvement is affected by the availability of resources in healthcare institutions. In addition, the degree of employee empowerment significantly impacts CQI. According to Wendwessen et al. (2020), one of the factors affecting the implementation of continuous quality improvement is the lack of organizational leadership support. Lack of support makes staff restrict their practices to routine practices. The availability of organizational resources for CQI is also significant. Research shows that organizations with better technical requirements, such as the needed health information systems, have higher CQI implementation rates (Limato et al., 2019). 

In addition, facilities that use scientific CQI implementation tools and more scientific problem-solving approaches also have higher rates of CQI implementation in their facilities. An organizational culture commuted to improvement significantly impacts how CQI is implemented. Thus, utilizing scientific approaches to decision-making and adopting advanced quality information systems can significantly affect CQI. In addition to these factors, knowledge of CQI is significant to its utilization. Bendermacher et al. (2020) note that students’ knowledge of CQI affects their utilization in clinical practices and participation in activities that facilitate CQI.

Impact of CQI on Patient Outcomes

Continuous quality improvement helps improve healthcare efficiency and productivity. Healthcare providers constantly evaluate care processes to eliminate flaws and ensure the care process achieves the desired outcomes. CQI also reduces healthcare costs. According to Wray et al. (2021), healthcare costs are one of the most significant barriers to healthcare access, which affects population health outcomes.

CQI improves patient safety by implementing evidence-based strategies to enhance patient safety (O’Donnell & Gupta, 2022). For example, CQI has led to sophisticated technologies such as RADAR and wearable sensors for gait and balance to prevent falls in older adults and patients with neurological and musculoskeletal issues. Improved customer satisfaction also impacts continuous quality improvement (Wenwessen et al., 2020). Patient outcomes improve with improved processes, reduced costs, and patient safety, improving customer satisfaction with the services provided. Thus, continuous quality improvement has a positive impact on patient health outcomes.

Impact of CQI on Staff Outcomes

Continuous quality improvement improves employee engagement and relationships. Staff often work in teams to develop improvement interventions through robust research, hence employee engagement. They collect perspectives from other professionals and use them to improve care delivery. Working together in teams promotes healthy interprofessional relationships. CQI also leads to professional and personal growth and development. It generates knowledge that helps nurses ad other professionals improve their knowledge, skills, and competencies significant to their success (Hill et al., 2020).

It improves employees’ satisfaction when their knowledge and skills are utilized to the maximum. CQI requires nurses to explore their knowledge and skills of processes, and thus nurses feel useful and significant to their facility, improving their performance and satisfaction. CQI promotes innovation, agility, and change adaptation (Hill et al., 2020). Most professionals resist change, especially if they do not understand the change. CQI is a process that focuses on ensuring all professionals understand the change and participate in it. In addition, the process encourages staff to be innovative, reducing resistance and enhancing creativity among the staff.

Conclusion

Continuous quality improvement is an important concept in healthcare. CQI is needed to meet the ever-changing patient needs and to utilize new knowledge and findings. Lean, Six Sigma, and the PDSA cycle are required CQI implementation methods. CQI is affected by staff support, organizational resources, and staff knowledge. It impacts staff and patient outcomes positively by improving care quality, enhancing patient safety, and reducing care costs. Nurses should be committed to participating and supporting continuous quality improvement in their facilities.

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), (n.d.). Section 4: Ways to Approach the Quality Improvement Process (Page 2 of 2). https://www.ahrq.gov/cahps/quality-improvement/improvement-guide/4-approach-qi-process/sect4part2.html

Bendermacher, G. W., De Grave, W. S., Wolfhagen, I. H., Dolmans, D. H., & oude Egbrink, M. G. (2020). Shaping a culture for continuous quality improvement in undergraduate medical education. Academic Medicine, 95(12). https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000003406

Hill, J. E., Stephani, A. M., Sapple, P., & Clegg, A. J. (2020). The effectiveness of continuous quality improvement for developing professional practice and improving health care outcomes: a systematic review. Implementation Science, 15(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-020-0975-2

Limato, R., Tumbelaka, P., Ahmed, R., Nasir, S., Syafruddin, D., Ormel, H., Kumar, M. B., Taegtmeyer, M., & Kok, M. (2019). What factors do make quality improvement work in primary health care? Experiences of maternal health quality improvement teams in three Puskesmas in Indonesia. PloS One, 14(12), e0226804. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0226804

O’Donnell, B., & Gupta, V. (2022). Continuous Quality Improvement. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

Wendwessen, N., Dereje, T., & Gize, A. (2020). Factors Affecting the Implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement in Health Facilities in Southern Nation and Nationalities Peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 855-862. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S260285

Wray, C. M., Khare, M., & Keyhani, S. (2021). Access to care, cost of care, and satisfaction with care among adults with private and public health insurance in the US. JAMA Network Open, 4(6), e2110275-e2110275. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.10275