NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

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NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation, 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 NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

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 NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

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 NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

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 NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

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 NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

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 NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

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. 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.

NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation Instructions

  • Write a 3-5 page report for a senior leader that communicates your evaluation of current organizational or interprofessional team performance, with respect to prescribed benchmarks set forth by government laws and policies at the local, state, and federal levels.

Introduction

In the era of health care reform, many of the laws and policies set forth by government at the local, state, and federal levels have specific performance benchmarks related to care delivery outcomes that organizations must achieve. It is critical for organizational success that the interprofessional care team is able to understand reports and dashboards that display the metrics related to performance and compliance benchmarks.

Maintaining standards and promoting quality in modern health care are crucial, not only for the care of patients, but also for the continuing success and financial viability of health care organizations. In the era of health care reform, health care leaders must understand what quality care entails and how quality in health care connects to the standards set forth by relevant federal, state, and local laws and policies. Understanding relevant benchmarks that result from these laws and policies and how they relate to quality care and regulatory standards is also vitally important.

Health care is a dynamic, complex, and heavily regulated industry. For this reason, you will be expected to constantly scan the external environment for emerging laws, new regulations, and changing industry standards. You may discover that as new policies are enacted into law, ambiguity in interpretation of various facets of the law may occur. Sometimes, new laws conflict with preexisting laws and regulations, or unexpected implementation issues arise, which may warrant further clarification from lawmakers. Adding partisan politics and social media to the mix can further complicate understanding of the process and buy-in from stakeholders.

Health care is a dynamic, complex, and heavily regulated industry. For this reason, you will be expected to constantly scan the external environment for emerging laws, new regulations, and changing industry standards. You may discover that as new policies are enacted into law, ambiguity in interpretation of various facets of the law may occur. Sometimes, new laws conflict with preexisting laws and regulations, or unexpected implementation issues arise, which may warrant further clarification from lawmakers. Adding partisan politics and social media to the mix can further complicate understanding of the process and buy-in from stakeholders.

Instructions

Choose one of the following two options for a performance dashboard to use as the basis for your evaluation:

Option 1: Dashboard Metrics Evaluation Simulation

Use the data presented in your Assessment 1 Dashboard and Health Care Benchmark Evaluation activity as the basis for your evaluation.

Note: The writing you do as part of the simulation could serve as a starting point to build upon for this assessment.

Option 2: Actual Dashboard

Use an actual dashboard from a professional practice setting for your evaluation. If you decide to use actual dashboard metrics, be sure to add a brief description of the organization and setting that includes:

  • The size of the facility that the dashboard is reporting on.
  • The specific type of care delivery.
  • The population diversity and ethnicity demographics.
  • The socioeconomic level of the population served by the organization.

Note: Ensure your data are Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant. Do not use any easily identifiable organization or patient information.

To complete this assessment:

  • Review the performance dashboard metrics in your Assessment 1 Dashboard and Health Care Benchmark Evaluation activity, as well as relevant local, state, and federal laws and policies. Consider the metrics that are falling short of the prescribed benchmarks. Note: The writing you do as part of the simulation could serve as a starting point to build upon for this assessment.
    • Write a report for a senior leader that communicates your evaluation of current organizational or interprofessional team performance, with respect to prescribed benchmarks set forth by government laws and policies at the local, state, and federal levels. In addition, advocate for ethical and sustainable action to address benchmark underperformance and explain the potential for improving the overall quality of care and performance, as reflected on the performance dashboard.
    • Make sure your report meets the Report Requirements listed below. Structure it so that it will be easy for a colleague or supervisor to locate the information they need, and be sure to cite the relevant health care policies or laws when evaluating metric performance against established benchmarks.
Report Requirements

The report requirements outlined below correspond to the scoring guide criteria, so be sure to address each main point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. In addition, be sure to note the requirements for document format and length and for supporting evidence.

  • Evaluate dashboard metrics associated with benchmarks set forth by local, state, or federal health care laws or policies.
  • Which metrics are not meeting the benchmark for the organization?
  • What are the local, state, or federal health care policies or laws that establish these benchmarks?
  • What conclusions can you draw from your evaluation?
  • Are there any unknowns, missing information, unanswered questions, or areas of uncertainty where additional information could improve your evaluation?
  • Analyze the consequence(s) of not meeting prescribed benchmarks and the impact this has on health care organizations or teams.
  • Consider the following examples:
  • Organizational mission and vision.
  • Resources.
  • Staffing.
  • Financial: Operational and capital funding.
  • Logistical considerations: Physical space.
  • Support services (any ancillary department that gives support to a specific care unit in the organization, such as pharmacy, cleaning services, dietary, et cetera).
  • Cultural diversity in the community.
  • Staff skills.
  • Procedures and processes.
  • Address the following:
  • What are the challenges that may potentially contribute to benchmark underperformance?
  • What assumptions underlie your conclusions?
  • Evaluate a benchmark underperformance in a heath care organization or interprofessional team that has the potential for greatly improving overall quality or performance.
  • Focus on the benchmark you chose to target for improvement. Which metric is underperforming its benchmark by the greatest degree?
  • State the benchmark underperformance that is the most widespread throughout the organization or interprofessional team.
  • State the benchmark that affects the greatest number of patients.
  • Include how this underperformance will affect the community that the organization serves.
  • Include the greatest opportunity to improve the overall quality of care or performance of the organization or interpersonal team and, ultimately, to improve patient outcomes, as you think about the issue and the current poor benchmark outcomes.
  • Advocate for ethical and sustainable action(s), directed toward an appropriate group of stakeholders, needed to address a benchmark underperformance.
  • Who would be an appropriate group of stakeholders to act on improving your identified benchmark metric?
  • Why should the stakeholder group take action?
  • What are some ethical actions the stakeholder group could take that support improved benchmark performance?
  • Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions.
  • Proofread your report, before you submit it, to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it more difficult for them to focus on the substance of your evaluation and analysis.
  • Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.
  • Be sure to apply correct APA formatting to source citations and references.

Report Format and Length

Format your report using APA style.

  • Use the APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] to help you in writing and formatting your report. Be sure to include:
  • A title and references page. An abstract is not required.
  • Appropriate section headings.
  • Your report should be 3–5 pages in length, not including the title page and references page.

Supporting Evidence

Cite 4–6 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your analysis of challenges, evaluation of potential for improvement, and your advocacy for ethical action.

Portfolio Prompt: You may choose to save your report to your ePortfolio.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Analyze relevant health care laws, policies, and regulations; their application; and their effects on organizations, interprofessional teams, and professional practice.
  • Analyze the consequence(s) of not meeting prescribed benchmarks and the impact this has on health care organizations or teams.
  • Competency 2: Lead the development and implementation of ethical and culturally sensitive policies that improve health outcomes for individuals, organizations, and populations.
  • Advocate for ethical and sustainable action(s), directed toward an appropriate group of stakeholders, needed to address a benchmark underperformance.
  • Competency 3: Evaluate relevant indicators of performance, such as benchmarks, research, and best practices, to inform health care laws and policies for patients, organizations, and populations.
  • Evaluate dashboard metrics associated with benchmarks set forth by local, state, or federal health care laws or policies.
  • Evaluate a benchmark underperformance in a health care organization or interprofessional team that has the potential for greatly improving quality or performance.
  • Competency 5: Produce clear, coherent, and professional written work, in accordance with Capella’s writing standards.
  • Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions.
  • Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.

NHS-FPX6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation Example

Dashboard Metrics Evaluation

Healthcare institutions have extensively utilized dashboards to consolidate and aid healthcare providers in visualizing vast amounts of regularly updated data, thereby assisting in clinical, operational, and strategic decision-making processes (Kuznetsova et al., 2021). The presentation of essential key performance indicators (KPIs) in a dashboard layout has proven to streamline data collection efforts, expedite task completion times, and lessen cognitive burdens (Helminski et al., 2022). In the review being conducted, the focus is on examining a diabetes dashboard and fact sheet utilized by Mercy Medical Center, which is a hospital affiliated with Vila Health.

The objective is to identify areas where the organization may be lacking and assess whether the metrics presented on the dashboard align with the benchmarks established by local, state, or federal healthcare laws and policies. The potential consequences of not meeting these benchmarks and how they impact healthcare organizations and teams will also be analyzed. A specific benchmark that is underperforming within the healthcare organization will be evaluated to identify opportunities for significant improvements in overall quality and performance. Lastly, the review will advocate for ethical and sustainable actions that the appropriate stakeholders should take to address the benchmark’s underperformance.

Evaluation of Dashboard Metrics

After analyzing the dashboard metrics, the data presented offers a detailed look at various aspects of diabetes care at Mercy Medical Center, shedding light on important metrics that can help improve patient outcomes and overall quality of care. The Mercy Medical Center in Shakopee, Minnesota, has gained recognition for its exceptional medical services and has been honored with awards such as the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Serving a total of 36,192 patients, the hospital primarily caters to individuals of Caucasian descent aged between 21 and 44. Despite these commendations, Mercy Hospital’s management of diabetes care shows room for improvement.

Data from 2019 and 2020 reveals a consistent rise in the frequency of HgbA1c testing, as well as eye and foot examinations. In 2020 alone, the hospital attended to 563 diabetic patients, comprising 214 males, 347 females, and two individuals who chose not to disclose their gender. These 563 patients receiving diabetes treatment at Mercy Hospital align with the specified age and racial demographics, highlighting the need for enhanced monitoring and care in this particular area of healthcare.

Metrics Not Meeting Benchmarks

The analysis of the metrics data highlights a concerning disparity between the national average and the performance of Mercy Medical Center in providing annual eye exams to individuals with diagnosed diabetes and assessment of annual HbA1c. According to the Healthy People 2030 Baseline, 64.8% of adults aged 18 years and older with diagnosed diabetes underwent an eye exam within the previous 12 months (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.).

However, at Mercy Medical Center, only 64 out of 563 individuals received their annual eye exam. This significant difference raises questions about the accessibility and availability of eye care services at Mercy Medical Center. It suggests that there may be barriers preventing individuals with diabetes from receiving the necessary eye exams to monitor and manage their condition effectively. These barriers could include factors such as limited resources, lack of awareness about the importance of regular eye exams, or challenges in accessing healthcare services.

The current goal status of Healthy People 2030 shows that the baseline data indicates a percentage of 18.7 (2013-16) for adults aged 18 years and over with diagnosed diabetes having an A1c value greater than 9.0 percent. However, the target for improvement is set at 11.6 percent, aiming for a decrease in this percentage. In 2020, at Mercy Medical Center, out of a total of 563 individuals, only 64 underwent the HbA1c exam. This highlights the importance of increasing awareness and access to regular screenings for diabetes management and prevention.

The national analysis by the Healthy People 200 is derived from quality benchmark organizations such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), and the Overview of National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2020). The consolidated benchmarks apply to all healthcare originations in the US.

Analysis of Consequences

The consequences of not receiving regular eye exams for individuals with diabetes can be severe. Diabetes can lead to various eye complications, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma (American Diabetes Association, 2022). Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and intervention to prevent or manage these conditions effectively. By not offering annual eye exams to the majority of individuals with diabetes, Mercy Medical Center may be putting their patients at risk of developing serious eye complications.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes should aim to keep their A1c levels below 7 percent to reduce the risk of complications. Healthy People 2030 emphasizes the importance of better management and control of diabetes by setting a target of 11.6 percent for adults with diagnosed diabetes to have an A1c value greater than 9.0 percent.

Increasing access to regular screenings for diabetes, such as the HbA1c exam, can help healthcare providers identify individuals at risk for diabetes or those who need better management of their condition (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2024). Therefore, healthcare organizations such as Mercy Medical Center can play a crucial role in improving diabetes outcomes and reducing the burden of this chronic disease on individuals and the healthcare system by increasing awareness and access to these screenings at the organizational level.

Evaluation of Benchmark Underperformance

The HgbA1c testing rate is below the expected standard, indicating that a significant portion of patients with diabetes are not receiving regular monitoring of their blood glucose levels. This lack of testing can lead to undetected fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can have serious consequences for patients’ overall health and well-being. The insufficient monitoring of HgbA1c levels harms the entire organization’s quality reputation.

Without regular testing, healthcare providers are unable to accurately assess the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans. This can result in suboptimal patient outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and decreased overall efficiency within the healthcare system. Diabetic patients seeking care at the Mercy Medical Center community face increased risks of heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage due to inadequate diabetes control.

HgbA1c testing is a crucial tool for monitoring long-term blood sugar control and identifying potential complications associated with diabetes. Without regular testing, patients may not receive timely interventions or adjustments to their treatment plans, increasing their vulnerability to these serious health issues. There is potential for improvement through implementing structured diabetes care plans, emphasizing regular HgbA1c testing, and providing patient education to enhance care quality and outcomes.

By developing standardized care plans that include regular HgbA1c testing, healthcare providers can ensure that all patients with diabetes receive consistent and appropriate monitoring. Additionally, providing patient education on the importance of HgbA1c testing and its role in diabetes management can empower individuals to take an active role in their own healthcare and make informed decisions about their treatment. These interventions have the potential to improve care quality, reduce complications, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes in the Mercy Medical Center community.

Advocacy for Ethical and Sustainable Actions

The stakeholders involved in this initiative include healthcare providers, administrators, and community leaders. The reason for taking action is to enhance adherence to diabetes care benchmarks to deliver patient-centered and quality care. It also shows a dedication to improving the overall health outcomes of the community. To achieve these goals, ethical actions will be taken, such as investing in staff training and education, improving patient education materials, implementing culturally sensitive care practices, and utilizing technology to facilitate care coordination and monitoring.

Increasing access to regular screenings for diabetes, such as the HbA1c exam, can help healthcare providers identify individuals at risk for diabetes or those who need better management of their condition. There were 8.7 million adults aged 18 years or older who had diabetes based on lab tests but were not aware of it or did not disclose their condition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

To address this issue, Mercy Medical Center should consider implementing strategies to improve the uptake of annual eye exams among individuals with diabetes. This could involve raising awareness about the importance of regular eye exams through educational campaigns targeted at both healthcare providers and patients. Additionally, Mercy Medical Center could explore partnerships with local eye care specialists or organizations to enhance access to eye care services for their diabetic patients.

Conclusion

The analysis examined new patients by race, gender, and age so healthcare providers can better understand the diverse needs of their patient population and tailor treatment plans accordingly. The tracking of eye exams, foot exams, and HgbA1c data over time allows for the identification of trends and areas for improvement in diabetes management practices at the medical center. Addressing the declining rates of HgbA1c and foot exams is rational, as these metrics serve as warning signs for potential complications and suboptimal disease management. Focusing on these areas of concern enables administrative healthcare professionals to work towards enhancing the quality of care provided to diabetes patients.

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2020). Prevention quality indicators v2020 benchmark data tables. Accessed 26th April 2024 from https://qualityindicators.ahrq.gov/Downloads/Modules/PQI/V2020/Version_2020_Benchmark_Tables_PQI.pdf

American Diabetes Association. (2022). standards of medical care in diabetes—2022 abridged for primary care providers. Clinical Diabetes: A Publication of the American Diabetes Association, 40(1), 10–38. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd22-as01

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, November 29). National Diabetes Statistics Report. Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html

Helminski, D., Kurlander, J. E., Renji, A. D., Sussman, J. B., Pfeiffer, P. N., Conte, M. L., Gadabu, O. J., Kokaly, A. N., Goldberg, R., Ranusch, A., Damschroder, L. J., & Landis-Lewis, Z. (2022). Dashboards in health care settings: Protocol for a scoping review. JMIR Research Protocols, 11(3), e34894. https://doi.org/10.2196/34894

Kuznetsova, M., Frits, M. L., Dulgarian, S., Iannaccone, C., Mort, E., Bates, D. W., & Salmasian, H. (2021). An analysis of the structure and content of dashboards used to monitor patient safety in the inpatient setting. JAMIA Open, 4(4), ooab096. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamiaopen/ooab096

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024, March 2). Diabetes Statistics. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; NIDDK – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/diabetes-statistics

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Healthy People 2030: Increase the proportion of adults with diabetes who have a yearly eye exam — D‑04. Health.gov. Accessed April 27, 2024, from https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/diabetes/increase-proportion-adults-diabetes-who-have-yearly-eye-exam-d-04