HQS 610 Topic 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

HQS 610 Topic 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the HQS 610 Topic 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue, 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 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

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 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

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 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

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 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

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 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

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 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

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.

Instructions for HQS 610 Topic 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue in your professional life or based on your research. Identify one challenge that your chosen model could pose and how you would mitigate it. Do not use the PDSA cycle. Have a look at HQS 610 Topic 3 Assignment: Application Of The PDSA Model.

Example 1 Approach to HQS 610 Topic 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

Quality improvement (QI) models are formal frameworks through which practice performance is measured, analyzed, and modification implemented for better patient outcomes and improved healthcare systems (Fondahn et al., 2016). These models measure the progress of diverse evidence-based practice (EBP) and suggest the improvements to be made and the process standardizations that should be incorporated into the EBP.

In my professional life, I noticed that many cancer patients brought for palliative care suffering from diphtheria had a higher mortality rate than those who suffered from diphtheria alone. I applied the six sigma model to analyze patient care and determine if our initial assumption of medical errors was true. This discussion will examine the lean six sigma model improvement undertaken, the outcomes, and the challenges encountered and instigated.

According to Teisberg et al. (2020), patient care routines must not always be effective. Therefore, continuous intervention analysis should be carried out to maximize better patient outcomes and minimize mortality rates. Considering Teisberg’s findings, I used the usual lean six sigma approach against the established patient care routine: DMAIC; define, measure, analyze, improve, and control.

I defined the mortality rate for the last two years since this data was in the facility store data files and electronic health records. The number of all diphtheria patients was recorded, and among them, those with cancer of any type were recorded. The mortality rate was recorded in the same manner. With this data, I knew I could accurately pinpoint the cause of mortality rate differences after analysis.

I analyzed those deaths and the patient care routine in detail. The drug of intervention as a diphtheria cure was penicillin G; thus, my focus was on it. I needed to find out why penicillin G affected cancer patients severely. I noted that penicillin G induces neutropenic sepsis in cancer patients. Neutropenic sepsis is fatal and requires emergency treatment within an hour window. I also noted that the hospital has never conducted neutropenic sepsis tests in any of the previous patients.

Part of the recommendation I made to the healthcare facility is to enact an improvement policy that all cancer patients should undergo neutropenic sepsis tests before any medication is administered to them. Therefore, any treatment plan routine for cancer patients must involve this procedure. In the following six months, the mortality rate for diphtheria patients with cancer reduced from 20% to 3%, which was remarkable using the optimized sepsis care routine.

Lavin and Vetter (2022) explain that no matter how effective a quality improvement model is, challenges will come since no QI model is challenge-proof. The most significant challenge this QI model could pose in this model application is the lack of administration support since it is time-consuming and resource intensive.

I would use professional nursing organizations to advocate for me using this model because every life counts—every death means the loss of precious life and tomorrow’s workforce. Internally, I would ask facility management personally to consider the benefits it could derive from decreased mortality rates. My colleagues, too, would be on my priority list of people I could solicit help from so that we can save lives.

Quality improvement models are vital in mitigating life-threatening conditions at hospitals. Sometimes, it is not the ailments that kill palliative care patients but the wrong methodological approaches to patient care. Auditing patient care through QI models could unravel mysteries of unexplainable mortality rates and hence improve healthcare systems. Healthcare interventions do not always produce the desired effects, but with meaningful improvements through data analysis, many lives can be saved, and better patient care can be achieved.

References

Fondahn, E., De Fer, T. M., Lane, M., & Vannucci, A. (2016). Washington Manual of patient safety and quality improvement. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Lavin, P., & Vetter, M. J. (2022). Using Lean Six Sigma to increase the effectiveness of an evidence-based quality improvement program. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 37(1), 81-86. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000567

Teisberg, E., Wallace, S., & O’Hara, S. (2020). Defining and implementing value-based health care: a strategic framework. Academic Medicine, 95(5), 682. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000003122

Example 2 Approach to HQS 610 Topic 3 DQ 2 Apply one of the quality improvement (QI) models you have read about to a QI issue

The Quality Improvement Models that are usually utilized in our Agency are the Root Analysis (RCA). According to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (n.d), RCA is a structured facilitated team process to identify root causes of an event that resulted in an undesired outcome and develop corrective actions. The RCA process provides you with a way to identify breakdowns in processes and systems that contributed to the event and how to prevent future events. The purpose of an RCA is to find out what happened, why it happened, and determine what changes need to be made.

In my previous home health agency, as part of our QAPI compliance for home health, we identified that Cause our hospital re admissions were increasing and above the national and state numbers. Management set up a meeting and agreed to do this as a quality improvement. To identify the contributing factors to hospital re admission. List of patients who were re admitted in the hospital in the first 30 days was provided and it was divided into teams, chart audits were done to identify if there were gaps in the care that were contributing to the incident.

The reasons that came up was late start of care due to short staffing, patients were not frontloaded with visits (especially with the medically complex), appropriate disciplines were not recommended (documentation through OASIS that patient has a low functional score in ADLS, no referral to occupational therapy was made), no MD follow up set up after a week following discharge, especially with heart failure patients.

Furthermore, after identifying the factors, a plan of action was made to correct the gaps. Education was provided to clinicians on emphasis on frontloading of visits, In the Journal article by Lanham & Hinch (2017), it was recommended by the American College of Cardiology to front load on visits on heart failure patients, for disease condition monitoring. Another article from Mcalister et al. (2016), on the emphasis on MD follow ups after recent hospitalization or ED visits, this can help MD on the progression of the disease and for early interventions also.

Lastly, one of the challenges the quality models pose is more about the implementation of the action plan, especially involving leadership. One of the contributing factors is the low staffing, even if front-loading visits, it would be unrealistic since no staff is able to go for a visit. Management must change its current structure with its hiring process, and even reviewed its current rates to be able to stay competitive with other agencies. Frequent in services are being provided by Quality coordinators to remind clinicians on the action plan to prevent re admissions.

References:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (n.d). Guidance for Performing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) with Performance Improvement Projects (PIPs). CMS.gov. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/qapi/downloads/guidanceforrca.pdf

Lanham K. & Hinch B. (2017). An interdisciplinary approach to a successful transition home: Heart failure transitions program. JACC Journals 69 (11). https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/S0735-1097%2817%2935498-0

McAlister, F. A., Youngson, E., Kaul, P., & Ezekowitz, J. A. (2016). Early Follow-Up After a Heart Failure Exacerbation: The Importance of Continuity. Circulation. Heart failure, 9(9), e003194. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.116.003194