a brief explanation of the QI initiative you selected, and why. Be specific. Explain how adverse events are handled in your healthcare organization or nursing practice, including an explanation of how this may impact both public and internal perspectives on healthcare quality. Then, briefly describe the error rate from the article you selected, and explain how this may relate to your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Be specific and provide examples.
Introduction
In this assignment, I have selected the Quality Improvement (QI) initiative implemented in my healthcare organization, which focuses on reducing medication errors through barcode scanning technology. Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare, as they can result in adverse events and harm to patients. Thus, this initiative aims to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of healthcare provided. This essay explores how adverse events are handled in my healthcare organization, the impact on public and internal perspectives on healthcare quality, and how the error rate described in the selected article relates to my healthcare organization or nursing practice.
Selected QI Initiative: Barcode Scanning Technology for Medication Administration
The selected QI initiative in my healthcare organization involves the implementation of barcode scanning technology for medication administration. This initiative was selected due to its potential to reduce medication errors, one of the most common types of adverse events in healthcare. Barcode scanning technology improves patient safety by ensuring that the right medication, in the right dose, is administered to the right patient. It involves the use of barcode labels on medications that can be scanned by handheld devices to verify the medication’s details and match them with the patient’s electronic health record (EHR) information. By implementing this technology, the aim is to reduce the occurrence of medication errors and improve patient outcomes.
Handling of Adverse Events in my Healthcare Organization
In my healthcare organization, the handling of adverse events, including medication errors, follows a comprehensive protocol. When an adverse event occurs, healthcare providers are required to report it through a standardized incident reporting system. This reporting system captures details of the event, including the type of error, contributing factors, and patient outcomes. These reports are then reviewed by a designated committee within the organization responsible for quality and patient safety.
Once an adverse event is reported, a thorough investigation is conducted to determine the root causes and contributing factors. This investigation involves reviewing medical records, speaking with involved staff members, and analyzing potential system or process failures. The findings of the investigation are then used to develop recommendations and strategies to prevent similar errors in the future. These recommendations may include changes to policies and procedures, staff education and training, and the implementation of new technologies or systems, such as barcode scanning technology.
Internal and Public Perspectives on Healthcare Quality
The handling of adverse events within my healthcare organization has both internal and public perspectives on healthcare quality. Internally, the organization views adverse events as opportunities for learning and improvement. The focus is on identifying root causes, establishing accountability, and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences. By taking a proactive approach to addressing adverse events, the organization aims to continuously enhance the quality of care provided to patients and improve patient safety.
From a public perspective, the way adverse events are handled can impact public perceptions of the quality of healthcare. Adverse events, particularly medication errors, can erode public trust in the healthcare system. However, by transparently addressing these events and demonstrating a commitment to learning from mistakes, healthcare organizations can maintain and restore public confidence. By implementing initiatives such as barcode scanning technology, healthcare organizations signal their dedication to patient safety and quality improvement, which can positively influence public perceptions of healthcare quality.
Error Rate from Selected Article and its Relation to my Healthcare Organization
The selected article reports an error rate of 5.7% in medication administration, which is relatively high. This error rate is concerning because it indicates a significant likelihood of medication errors occurring during the administration process. In my healthcare organization, the implementation of barcode scanning technology aims to reduce the occurrence of medication errors and subsequently decrease the error rate significantly. By using barcode scanning technology to verify medication information and match it with the patient’s EHR, the risk of administering the wrong medication or dose is minimized. This technology provides an additional layer of safety to the medication administration process and improves the accuracy of medication administration.
For example, before the implementation of barcode scanning technology, nurses relied on manual processes, such as checking medication labels and comparing them with written orders. These manual processes were associated with a higher risk of errors, such as misread labels or confusion between medications with similar names. However, with the introduction of barcode scanning technology, nurses can scan the medication label and the patient’s identification bracelet, ensuring that the right medication is given to the right patient. This significantly reduces the likelihood of medication errors, thus decreasing the error rate in medication administration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the selected QI initiative in my healthcare organization focuses on implementing barcode scanning technology for medication administration to reduce medication errors. Adverse events, including medication errors, are handled by following a comprehensive protocol that involves reporting, investigation, and implementing improvement strategies. The way adverse events are handled impacts both internal and public perspectives on healthcare quality. The error rate reported in the selected article, although relatively high, reflects the importance of initiatives like barcode scanning technology in reducing medication errors and improving patient safety within my healthcare organization or nursing practice.