Multiple resources exist to assist in implementing improved quality standards within a health care organization. You have already examined Six Sigma. Discuss two other resources that assist with this implementation. Provide an example from your professional experience when possible. PLEASE INCLUDE IN-TEXT CUTATION AND REFERENCE. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it

Introduction

Implementing improved quality standards within a healthcare organization is essential for delivering optimal patient care and improving the overall performance of the organization. While Six Sigma is a widely recognized approach for quality improvement, there are other resources that can assist in this implementation process. This paper will discuss two additional resources, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle and Lean methodology, and provide examples of their application in a healthcare setting.

Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle

The PDSA cycle, also known as the Deming cycle or the quality improvement cycle, is a systematic approach that enables healthcare organizations to implement changes and continuously improve processes. It consists of four steps: plan, do, study, and act. The plan phase involves identifying a problem or opportunity for improvement, setting objectives and goals, and developing a detailed plan to initiate change. The do phase involves implementing the planned changes on a small scale, allowing for testing and observation. The study phase involves analyzing and evaluating the data collected during the implementation phase to determine the impact of the changes. The act phase involves making adjustments based on the results and implementing the changes on a larger scale if successful, or returning to the planning phase if necessary (Langley et al., 2009).

An example of the application of the PDSA cycle in a healthcare organization is the reduction of medication errors in a hospital setting. In this example, the plan phase would involve identifying medication errors as a problem and setting a goal to reduce errors by 50% within six months. The plan could include strategies such as implementing barcode scanning technology for medication administration, providing additional training for healthcare staff, and improving communication between healthcare providers. The do phase would involve implementing these changes on a select number of hospital units and monitoring the results. The study phase would involve analyzing data on medication errors before and after the implementation of the changes to determine their effectiveness. If the changes are successful, the act phase would involve expanding the implementation of the changes to all hospital units and continuously monitoring medication errors to ensure sustained improvement.

Lean Methodology

Lean methodology, often referred to as lean management or lean thinking, is another resource that assists in implementing improved quality standards in healthcare organizations. Derived from the principles of the Toyota Production System, lean methodology focuses on reducing waste and improving efficiency in processes. The core principles of lean methodology include identifying value from the perspective of the customer, mapping the value stream to identify and eliminate waste, creating flow through the elimination of bottlenecks and barriers, implementing a pull system to align production with demand, and striving for perfection through continuous improvement (Womack & Jones, 1996).

An example of the application of lean methodology in a healthcare organization is streamlining the discharge process in a hospital. In this example, the value stream would be mapped to identify areas of waste, such as unnecessary paperwork, redundant processes, or delays in communication. The lean team would then work to eliminate these wasteful steps and create a more efficient discharge process. This could include introducing electronic discharge orders, implementing a standardized communication system between healthcare providers, and streamlining the handover process between shifts. By applying lean methodology, the hospital can reduce patient wait times, improve patient satisfaction, and increase overall efficiency.

Conclusion

Implementing improved quality standards in healthcare organizations requires the use of various resources. In addition to Six Sigma, the PDSA cycle and lean methodology are valuable tools. The PDSA cycle allows organizations to implement changes in a systematic manner, continuously evaluate their impact, and make adjustments as needed. Lean methodology focuses on reducing waste and improving efficiency in processes, ultimately leading to improved patient care and organizational performance. By utilizing these resources effectively, healthcare organizations can enhance the quality of care they provide and achieve better outcomes for their patients.

References:
Langley, G. L., Moen, R. D., Nolan, K. M., Nolan, T. W., Norman, C. L., & Provost, L. P. (2009). The improvement guide: a practical approach to enhancing organizational performance. John Wiley & Sons.
Womack, J. P., & Jones, D. T. (1996). Lean thinking: banish waste and create wealth in your corporation. Simon and Schuster.