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Note: Plz make separate references Week 6: Errors, Safety Q.1 Since the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which is now part of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), published To Err Is Human in 1999, a groundbreaking report that boldly pointed out the problem of medical errors, concerns regarding patient safety and the need to reduce errors have come to the forefront of the U.S. healthcare system. What initiatives have accreditation organizations and other external agencies undertaken to address these issues? What strategies have been used by ancillary healthcare institutions (mental health and public health) to reduce medical errors? Do you think these efforts have been effective? Week 6: Improving Quality Q.2 What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) ahead for us as we attempt to improve the quality of our healthcare delivery system in the United States?
Are these challenges the same for ancillary services (e.g., mental health and public health) and traditional services (e.g., offices, clinics, hospitals)? Why or why not? Note: Plz make separate references Week 6: Errors , Saf ety Q.1 Since the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which is now part of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), published To Err Is Human in 1999, a groundbreaking report that boldly pointed out the problem of medical errors, concerns regarding patient safety and the need to reduce errors have come to the forefront of the U.S. healthcare system. What initiatives have accreditation organizati ons and other external agencies undertaken to address these issues? What strategies have been used by ancillary healthcare institutions (mental health and public health) to reduce medical errors?
Do you think these efforts have been effective? W eek 6: Improving Quality Q.2 What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) ahead for us as we attempt to improve the quality of our healthcare delivery system in the United States? Are these challenges the same for ancillary services (e.g., mental health and public health) and traditional services (e.g., offices, clinics, hospitals)? Why or why not? Note: Plz make separate references Week 6: Errors, Safety Q.1 Since the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which is now part of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), published To Err Is Human in 1999, a groundbreaking report that boldly pointed out the problem of medical errors, concerns regarding patient safety and the need to reduce errors have come to the forefront of the U.S. healthcare system.
What initiatives have accreditation organizations and other external agencies undertaken to address these issues? What strategies have been used by ancillary healthcare institutions (mental health and public health) to reduce medical errors? Do you think these efforts have been effective? Week 6: Improving Quality Q.2 What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) ahead for us as we attempt to improve the quality of our healthcare delivery system in the United States? Are these challenges the same for ancillary services (e.g., mental health and public health) and traditional services (e.g., offices, clinics, hospitals)? Why or why not?
Paper for above instructions
Week 6: Errors and Safety Q1Since the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published To Err Is Human in 1999, the landscape of patient safety and the urgency to address medical errors in the U.S. healthcare system has irrevocably changed (Kohn et al., 1999). The report's revelation that between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die each year due to preventable medical errors catalyzed a wave of reforms and initiatives by accreditation organizations, governmental bodies, and other external agencies aimed at bolstering patient safety and mitigating errors.
Initiatives by Accreditation Organizations and External Agencies
The joint commission, a key accreditation body in the U.S., has established several initiatives to enhance patient safety, including the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs). These goals are updated annually to address specific areas that require improvement. For instance, one of the current goals focuses on preventing patient falls, which is a critical concern in acute care settings (Joint Commission, 2021). Additionally, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has developed tools and resources like the TeamSTEPPS program, which trains healthcare professionals in effective teamwork and communication to reduce errors (AHRQ, 2019).
Another innovative initiative is the implementation of the National Quality Strategy by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This involves public and private sectors working together to improve healthcare quality by emphasizing patient-centered care and improving healthcare outcomes through standardized measures (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015).
Strategies in Ancillary Healthcare Institutions
In ancillary healthcare institutions, such as mental health and public health organizations, various strategies have also been employed to reduce medical errors. For example, in mental health settings, the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has significantly improved communication among healthcare providers, enabling better oversight of patient medications and treatment histories (Harris et al., 2016). Utilizing EHRs also minimizes the chances of medication errors by providing alerts for any potential drug interactions.
Public health institutions have adopted several quality improvement strategies, including the incorporation of evidence-based practices and community engagement in healthcare delivery (Brownson et al., 2018). This strategy not only engages the community in healthcare decision-making but also increases awareness regarding health literacy and disease prevention, leading to more informed patients who can help reduce the likelihood of errors happening in the first place.
Effectiveness of These Initiatives
The initiatives undertaken by accreditation organizations and ancillary healthcare institutions appear to have had a positive impact on patient safety. A report from the National Patient Safety Foundation suggests a decline in rates of hospital-acquired conditions, including infections and adverse events, over the past decade (National Patient Safety Foundation, 2016). Moreover, surveys indicate improvements in the safety climate within hospitals where robust patient safety programs have been implemented (Weaver et al., 2013).
However, challenges remain. Medical errors continue to exist, although there is an increasing acknowledgment of their presence and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues (Gandhi et al., 2010). While initiatives have been beneficial, a more integrated approach that combines technology, provider education, and patient engagement is needed to further diminish errors in the healthcare system.
Conclusion
In summary, the awareness generated by the IOM's To Err Is Human report has transformed the U.S. healthcare landscape. Accreditation organizations and ancillary healthcare institutions have instituted numerous initiatives intended to improve patient safety and reduce medical errors. Despite notable advancements, ongoing vigilance and innovation are necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of a safer healthcare system.
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Week 6: Improving Quality Q2
Looking ahead, the U.S. healthcare delivery system faces numerous challenges that may impede efforts to improve quality. These challenges encompass healthcare disparities, technology integration, workforce shortages, and regulatory burdens, which collectively threaten the efficacy of quality improvement efforts.
Challenges in the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System
One of the most significant issues is the persistent healthcare disparities that affect marginalized communities. Research by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities indicates that healthcare access is often constrained by socioeconomic factors, geographic location, and systemic biases (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 2020). Overcoming these inequalities is paramount to enhancing overall healthcare quality and ensuring equal access to care.
Integration of technology also poses unique challenges. While electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and artificial intelligence offer potential improvements in efficiency and care delivery, their implementation can lead to increased frustrations among healthcare providers who may lack the necessary training or resources (Bartz et al., 2021). Furthermore, issues surrounding data privacy and security remain a top concern, necessitating continual adjustments to regulatory frameworks.
A workforce shortage is an additional hurdle that threatens healthcare quality. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing predicts a significant shortfall of registered nurses by 2030, exacerbated by workforce burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic (AACN, 2021). The scarcity of trained healthcare professionals could jeopardize the quality of care delivered to patients and hinder effective communication, ultimately contributing to medical errors.
Comparative Challenges in Ancillary vs. Traditional Services
Although some challenges may overlap, there are notable differences in the struggles faced by ancillary services compared to traditional services. Traditional healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, face acute pressures related to efficiency, peak patient volumes, and clinical outcomes. Conversely, ancillary services such as mental health or public health may confront unique challenges related to stigma, funding, and the integration of services within community settings.
For example, the mental health care system is often seen as secondary to traditional healthcare, leading to inadequate funding and limited availability of services (Nace, 2022). Public health initiatives, on the other hand, are frequently subject to regulatory and political environments that can greatly influence resource availability and effectiveness (Davis et al., 2020). As such, addressing these challenges may require different strategic frameworks tailored to the specific context and needs of each service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the U.S. healthcare delivery system faces extensive challenges as it attempts to enhance quality. While some challenges may be common across both ancillary and traditional services, others are distinctive and indicative of the unique contexts in which these services operate. Stakeholders must focus on targeted strategies to address these crucial aspects, ultimately working towards a more seamless, efficient, and equitable healthcare system.
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References
1. AHRQ. (2019). TeamSTEPPS: Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
2. AACN. (2021). The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.
3. Bartz, C., et al. (2021). The Impact of EHRs on Quality of Care: A Comprehensive Review. Health Informatics Journal, 27(1).
4. Brownson, R. C., et al. (2018). Evidence-Based Public Health: A Fundamental Concept for Public Health Practice. Annual Review of Public Health, 39(1), 1-22.
5. Davis, K., et al. (2020). Public Health Funding and Capacity in America’s Cities. Health Affairs, 39(2), 303-310.
6. Gandh, T. K., et al. (2010). Missed and Delayed Diagnoses in the Ambulatory Setting: A Study of the Vignettes from the National Healthcare Quality Report. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 36(7), 317-322.
7. Harris, M., et al. (2016). The Impact of Health Information Technology on Patient Safety: A Review of the Literature. International Archives of Medicine, 9(1), 1-14.
8. Joint Commission. (2021). National Patient Safety Goals.
9. Kohn, L. T., et al. (1999). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. National Academy Press.
10. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (2020). National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework.
11. National Patient Safety Foundation. (2016). Free from Harm: Accelerating Patient Safety Improvement Fifteen Years after To Err Is Human.
12. Weaver, S. J., et al. (2013). Promoting a Culture of Safety: A Guide for Health Care Executives. Health Care Management Review.