E. Quality Improvement Flashcards
*This analysis compares the COSTS and BENEFITS of a decision. The value of the benefits must outweigh the costs.
*Cost/Benefit Analysis
_______ benefits are directly attributable to the nutrition program. Their value is determined by measuring the cost of treatment needed in the ABSENCE of the program/intervention.
ie. Change in food choices as a result of counseling, Reduced constipation due to higher fiber diet, Reduced HTN due to weight loss
Direct benefits
_______ benefits are not directly attributable to an intervention, but related.
ie. Saving physicians time due to prevention or reduced severity of disease. Decreased admissions/LOS.
Indirect benefits
*This analysis compares ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION.
Assumes the intervention is worthwhile. Which METHOD OF INTERVENTION is the most effective? Utilizes outcomes research to compare costs and effectiveness of strategies.
*Cost/Effectiveness Analysis
_________: formal study that retrospectively monitors performance to see if performance meets standards.
Audit
A management approach to long-term success through customer satisfaction. Based on all members of an organization participating in improving processes, products, services and the culture in which they work.
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Technique for implementing TQM.
Plan what needs to be done Make the change Analyze the results Act on both negative and positive aspects of results Repeat
Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA cycle)
An approach to quality management that builds upon traditional quality assurance methods by emphasizing the organization and systems: it focuses on “process” rather than the individual.
Performance can always improve, even when standards are being met.
Continuous quality improvement
An approach of improving quality by removing defects and their causes. Identifying and eliminating errors to get as close to zero as possible.
Six Sigma
Sigma=Standard deviations
6 SD from the mean means there is very little variation n a process.
Using less human effort, less space, less capital, and less time to create products exactly as customer desires with few defects.
ie. Use video/stop watch to analyze how work is being done. Can then reorganize workflow and duties. Can reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Lean
_______ are tools that evaluate aspects of patient care/management functions. Serve as flags to direct attention to specific issues.
Not direct measures of quality, but describe outcomes.
Indicators
This type of indicator shows what will happen when the best possible care is given. 1-99%.
ie. 95% patients are assessed within 24 hours.
ie. 95% of trays are delivered within 10 minutes of arrival on that floor.
Rate-based indicator (comparative rate indicator)
This type of indicator involves a serious event requiring further investigation with each occurence. Undesirable, avoidable events. Either 0% or 100% (either NEVER or ALWAYS want it to happen).
ie. 0% food poisoning.
ie. 100% NPO patients are fed within 5 days.
Sentinel event indicator
Outcome management systems evaluate the ____ and ____ of a process.
Data is collected and compared with standards or past levels of performance, and is then adjusted or improved.
Effectiveness and efficiency
The degree to which an exchange helps to achieve objectives.
Effectiveness
