HQS 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes

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HQS 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the HQS 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes, 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 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes

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 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes

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 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes

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 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes

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 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes

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 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes

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 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes Instructions

The purpose of this assignment is to discuss the value of monitoring project progress and evaluating outcomes to develop quality and safety initiatives. In a 750-900-word paper, address the following:

  1. Discuss the value of monitoring the progress of planned change and the impact it has on project outcomes. 
  2. Explain the benefits of evaluating overall project outcomes. 
  3. Discuss the importance of final project analysis and debriefing following project closure.
  4. Discuss who should be involved in the project debriefing. 
  5. Explain why it’s important to celebrate successful completion of a project. 
  6. How would you celebrate successful completion?
  7. If all desired outcomes are not met in a project, describe the appropriate next steps.
  8. Based on the case study in which you have applied the principles of project management to in Topics 3-8, develop at least two potential resulting quality and safety initiatives. 

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. This task marks the end of this class. The next class in this program is HQS 630 Implementation and Change Management, which begins with HQS 630 Topic 1 Elements Of Change Management DQ 1.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

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.

Benchmark Information 

 This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competency: 

MSN with an Emphasis in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety

 6.2: Use process improvement principles to design quality and safety initiatives.

HQS 620 Topic 8 Benchmark – Monitoring Progress and Project Outcomes Example

Project monitoring is one of the most significant roles of a project manager. It entails ensuring that all activities and tasks are implemented as planned. Project monitoring and evaluation also facilitate decision-making regarding the future of projects, including closure and continuity. These activities occur toward the end of the projects. This essay discusses the value of monitoring projects and evaluating outcomes and develops quality and safety initiatives related to the focus case study.

Value of Monitoring the Progress of Planned Change

Monitoring planned change progress helps facilitate change. The managers can predict the following steps’ requirements, making it easy to avail the resources and prepare for the next step, thus facilitating change (Sipes, 2019). It also helps prevent deviations from achieving the desired outcomes. Monitoring planned change progress prepares an ultimate path for projects and ensures that all activities are implemented as planned. Monitoring planned change also helps detect any deviations or disruptions and address them promptly to prevent project failure (Sipes, 2019). Thus, monitoring the progress of planned change is significant in achieving the desired project outcomes.

Benefits of Evaluating Project Outcomes

Evaluating overall project outcomes is significant. Project evaluation helps determine the’ success of interventions in projects and eliminates time-consuming and resource-intensive projects. Project evaluation also helps managers determine the success of projects in achieving their outcomes. In addition, it helps determine effective and ineffective initiative components and their reasons, which is vital for future projects. Kerzner (2022) notes that project evaluation increases the chances of achieving the initiative’s goals and objectives. Project evaluation also helps make project decisions such as integrating projects into institutions, leadership changes, project continuity, or closure of projects. Thus, evaluating overall project outcomes is significant.

Final Project Analysis and Debriefing

Final project analysis and debriefing is the last stage in project closure or transition. The step entails reviewing the project’s success, failure, outcome, quality, satisfaction, deficiencies, and value (Sipes, 2019). Kolbe et al. (2021) note that team debriefing and project analysis help align the project’s intention to its impact, discover any discrepancies, and attempt to explain them. The goal is to ensure seamless knowledge transfer to the new team/organizational management regarding the project. Project management debriefings allow team members to share experiences and offer actionable/valuable lessons learned. In addition, debriefing provides an opportunity to identify risks not identified in the previous stages.

Individuals Involved in Project Debriefing

Individuals/professionals involved in project debriefing include the project manager, project team, stakeholders, sponsors, and the new management team (if any) (Sipes, 2019). These individuals played significant roles in the project and will thus be vital in the debriefing. The new management, if any, will significantly facilitate knowledge transfer and secure the project’s future. Organizational leaders may be involved in these projects, though their presence is less significant than that of the project team members.

Importance of Celebrating Successful Project Completion

Matsudaira (2019) notes that projects can be demanding, especially nearing the end, and thus, successful project completion is worth celebrating. Celebrating successful project completion is important for several reasons. One of the roles is enhancing staff morale. Project completion is hard, and it is paramount to motivate staff to prepare them for future roles. Celebrating project completion rituals ensures all project team members understand their roles are significant and valued, further promoting morale, teamwork, and collaboration in project teams. Celebration enhances morale, confidence, and motivation, promoting collaboration and coordination in care teams. Celebrating successful project completion enhances personal relationships with employees, suppliers, project teams, and the project manager.

Ways of Celebrating Successful Project Completion

One of the best ways to celebrate success is through social, organizational activities. These include end-of-project parties where all team members meet to eat, drink, and have fun. Some celebrations are more creative and may entail vacations, team-building activities, and games such as golf (Crawford, 2021). Parties can be performed at all levels, from small to large international projects. In addition, bonuses when projects succeed, such as good sales.

Other interventions to celebrate successful project completion include endorsements of the project team members in other projects (Kerzner, 2022). Endorsements help improve the professional portfolio of the team members and increase the chances of their utilization in future projects. These interventions help recognize the role of team members, stakeholders, and sponsors in completing the project and set the course for the future of the project and team members.

Appropriate Next Steps when Desired Outcomes are not Met

When all desired outcomes are not met in a project, the project managers implement interventions to determine the causes of the underperformance. The information gathered from the inquiry helps make continuity decisions, such as whether to continue with the project, change the entire project, modify some areas, or close the entire project (Sipes, 2019). A project that does not meet all its desired outcomes faces closure and scrutiny to determine the causes of the poor performance. The interventions implemented also depend on the project’s significance. However, a root cause analysis is paramount to determine the causes of the failure and their management interventions for current and future interventions.

Potential Quality and Safety Initiatives

The case study selected in Chapter 8 entails the implementation of electronic health records in the facility. The project also entails educating the staff on their utilization and gathering all supporting resources for successful project implementation. Following the successful implementation of the project, various resulting quality and safety initiatives can be implemented to improve the programs further. One of the initiatives is a staff education program to support the successful implementation and adoption of the technology in the facility.

Another initiative is the implementation of a medication reconciliation enhancement program. EHR technology could revolutionize interventions, including medication prescription, transcription, and administration. The initiative will focus on utilizing EHRs to improve medication safety and eliminate medication errors through specific alerts (such as medication allergy and drug-drug interactions alerts), patient education, and pharmacist review (Stolldorf et al., 2020). These changes to the technology could improve its efficiency and reduce the burden of medication errors.

Another initiative is the implementation of the clinical decision support system adoption initiative. CDSS systems are EHR systems’ adjuncts that help clinicians make decisions based on the best available evidence and clinical practice guidelines (Sutton et al., 2020). These systems guide care providers in their primary patient assessment, diagnosis, and management interventions. They are embedded in EHR systems, and their implementation will thus help improve the quality of care delivery offered to patients in the facility.

Conclusion

Project monitoring and evaluation are integral aspects of project success. Monitoring planned change progress helps increase chances of success, prevents project deviation, and helps facilitate change. Project evaluation helps determine the success of the projects and makes decisions regarding the future of the projects. Project managers, team members, stakeholders, and sponsors are vital professionals in project debriefing. Quality and safety initiatives such as CDDS systems, staff education, and medication reconciliation enhancement program are potential resulting initiatives and EHR implementation in the organization.

References

Crawford, J. K. (2021). Project management maturity model. (4th Ed.). CRC Press.

Kerzner, H. (2022). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring and monitoring project performance. (4th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Kolbe, M., Schmutz, S., Seelandt, J. C., Eppich, W. J., & Schmutz, J. B. (2021). Team debriefings in healthcare: aligning intention and impact. BMJ, 374. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n2042

Matsudaira, K. (2019). The importance of a great finish. Communications of the ACM, 62(2), 45–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3287297

Sipes, C. (2019). Project Management for the Advanced Practice Nurse. (2nd Ed.). Springer Publishing Company.

Stolldorf, D. P., Mixon, A. S., Auerbach, A. D., Aylor, A. R., Shabbir, H., Schnipper, J., & Kripalani, S. (2020). Implementation and sustainability of a medication reconciliation toolkit: a mixed methods evaluation. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 77(14), 1135-1143.https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxaa136

Sutton, R. T., Pincock, D., Baumgart, D. C., Sadowski, D. C., Fedorak, R. N., & Kroeker, K. I. (2020). An overview of clinical decision support systems: benefits, risks, and strategies for success. NPJ digital medicine, 3(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-0221-y