Final Projectrecommend A Quality Or Safety Initiative That Addresses A ✓ Solved

Final Project Recommend a quality or safety initiative that addresses a shortfall in quality and/or safety ( FALL PREVENTION) in your current precepted experience environment (or simulation). Include the principles of quality improvement, health care policy, ethical and legal considerations, cost-effectiveness and means to monitor the initiative over time. The paper needs to be between 5-6 pages in length in APA format with a SWOT analysis and implementation timelines and plan as appendices. Grading Rubric: Points Identify the quality or safety concern within the clinical practice and implication of the concern 15 Recommend an evidence-based quality or safety initiative 20 Discussion of implementation of the safety initiative: include principles of quality improvement, healthcare policy, and cost-effectiveness 20 Discussion the SWOT analysis and timeline 20 How the weaknesses and threats to the initiative will be mitigated 10 APA format 5 SWOT Analysis 5 Implementation Timeline and Plan 5

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

Falls in healthcare settings represent a significant quality and safety concern. The consequences of falls can range from minor injuries to severe complications, including fractures and even death, particularly among older adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). This paper recommends an evidence-based fall prevention initiative tailored to the clinical practice setting. The initiative incorporates principles of quality improvement, healthcare policy, ethical and legal considerations, cost-effectiveness, and a plan for ongoing monitoring. The plan further elucidates a SWOT analysis and an implementation schedule.

Identification of the Safety Concern

Falls are identified as a major issue in healthcare environments, notably in hospitals and long-term care settings. According to the CDC (2021), around 700,000 to 1 million falls occur in hospitals annually, making it a critical focus for patient safety. These incidents contribute not only to patient harm but also to healthcare costs, as they often lead to extended hospital stays and increased liability for institutions (Huang et al., 2020). Therefore, recognizing the implications of falls in terms of patient safety, legal liabilities, and overall healthcare costs underscores the need for a dedicated fall prevention initiative.

Evidence-Based Quality Initiative: The STEADI Approach

The evidence-based fall prevention initiative recommended for implementation is the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries) approach developed by the CDC (CDC, 2021). This multifaceted strategy focuses on screening, risk assessment, and interventions based on best practices tailored to individual needs. Key components of the STEADI initiative include:
1. Screening: All patients, particularly those at higher risk (older adults, those with mobility issues, etc.), should be screened for fall risk using validated tools (e.g., Timed Up and Go test).
2. Risk Assessment: Identify individualized risk factors such as medication side effects, balance issues, and environmental hazards.
3. Intervention Strategies: Implement interventions that may include exercise programs focusing on balance and strength, medication management, and environmental modifications (e.g., removing trip hazards).
4. Education: Educate staff, patients, and families about fall risks and prevention strategies (Huang et al., 2020).
Implementing the STEADI approach not only aligns with the principles of quality improvement but also embraces a patient-centered strategy.

Principles of Quality Improvement and Health Care Policy

The STEADI approach embodies several principles of quality improvement, notably:
1. Patient-Centered Care: Engaging patients in their care plans regarding fall prevention encourages adherence and improves outcomes.
2. Data-Driven Decision Making: Collecting data on fall incidents pre-and post-implementation will evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative.
3. Continuous Improvement: Regularly updating educational materials and intervention strategies based on the latest research ensures that the initiative evolves and stays relevant.
Healthcare policies such as the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals emphasize the importance of preventing falls, thus supporting the implementation of such initiatives (Joint Commission, 2021). Additionally, ethical considerations focus on beneficence, ensuring patient safety, and non-maleficence, avoiding harm (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).

Cost-Effectiveness

Implementing the STEADI initiative remains cost-effective in the long run. Although initial costs may include staff training and program materials, substantial savings can be realized through a decrease in fall-related injuries, which typically incur significant medical costs due to extended hospitalization and rehabilitation (Davis et al., 2021). A cost-benefit analysis should be conducted post-implementation to validate these savings and to continue funding for the program.

Monitoring the Initiative

Long-term monitoring of the STEADI initiative can be achieved through a multi-faceted approach:
1. Regular Audits: Assess fall rates and collect data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
2. Surveys: Administer surveys to patients and staff for feedback on the perceived effectiveness of fall prevention measures.
3. Collaboration: Engage interdisciplinary teams to discuss findings regularly and adapt strategies as necessary.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis of the STEADI Initiative

| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Evidence-based approach | Initial training costs for staff |
| Engages patients and family members | Time-consuming data collection |
| Proven reduction in fall rates | Resistance to change from staff |
| Comprehensive risk assessment | Potential under-resourcing |
| Opportunities | Threats |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Growing awareness of fall prevention | Budget constraints |
| Advances in fall prevention technology | Possible regulatory changes |
| Collaboration with community resources | Staff turnover and training gaps |
| Increased national focus on elder care | Misinterpretation of fall intervention |
Mitigation Strategies for Weaknesses and Threats:
- Training and interdisciplinary collaboration can be emphasized to ensure all staff are equipped to handle fall prevention.
- Budget considerations should prompt regular reviews of cost-effectiveness, allowing for the justification of continued funding.
- Staff retention strategies and ongoing education ensure continuity and adherence to safety initiatives.

Implementation Timeline

The implementation timeline for the STEADI Initiative is outlined below:
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|--------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Planning | 1 month | Assemble a project team; Define objectives |
| Training | 2 months | Train staff and develop educational materials |
| Implementation | 3 months | Roll-out intervention in phases; Start data collection |
| Monitoring | Ongoing (after 6 months) | Weekly audits; Collect feedback |

Conclusion

The STEADI fall prevention initiative presents a robust strategy to address the safety concern of falls in clinical settings. By utilizing evidence-based practices, reinforcing principles of quality improvement, and focusing on cost-effectiveness, healthcare institutions can enhance patient safety and reduce liability. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes will ensure the sustainability of the initiative while adapting to the continuously evolving healthcare landscape.

References

1. Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Falls Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/fallprevention.html
3. Davis, K. S., Matz, M., & Fischer, S. (2021). Economic benefits of fall prevention. Journal of Safety Research, 76, 59-65.
4. Huang, Y., Luan, G., & Li, L. (2020). Evidence-based fall prevention interventions in acute care settings: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Science, 35(2), 157-165.
5. Joint Commission. (2021). National Patient Safety Goals. https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/national-patient-safety-goals
6. Lutz, B. J., & Blevins, J. (2021). Safe Patient Handling and Mobility: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Falls. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 45(4), 310-314.
7. Muir, S. W., et al. (2020). The role of fall risk assessment tools in preventing falls in older adults: A systematic review. Clinical Intervention in Aging, 15, 121-129.
8. National Institute on Aging. (2022). Falls and Older Adults: How to Prevent Falls. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-older-adults
9. Smith, D. M., & Steven, Y. (2020). The economic burden of falls among older adults. Healthcare Management Forum, 33(4), 130-136.
10. Tinetti, M. E., & Kumar, C. (2018). An overview of fall prevention in older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 378, 306-307.