at least 3 other sources to create a summary of internal/external drivers on quality that may impact your chosen topic quality outcomes. Compare and contrast external and internal drivers on quality and explain how they will benefit your chosen topic by reviewing positive and negative impact. You will discuss the impact of internal and external drivers for hospitals and providers.
Internal and external drivers play a significant role in shaping quality outcomes within hospitals and healthcare providers. Understanding these drivers is crucial for identifying and addressing factors that can positively or negatively impact quality in the healthcare industry. This summary will explore the internal and external drivers on quality and their impact on hospitals and providers, drawing from a range of authoritative sources.
In the context of healthcare, internal drivers of quality refer to factors that are within the control of the organization or provider. These drivers typically include aspects such as leadership, organizational culture, resources, and infrastructure. External drivers, on the other hand, are factors that are influenced by external entities or forces. These may include policies, regulations, accreditation standards, market demands, and patient expectations.
One of the key internal drivers of quality in healthcare is leadership. Effective leadership is essential for setting the vision, mission, and goals of an organization, as well as for ensuring the implementation of quality improvement initiatives. According to a study by Karam et al. (2014), strong leadership that promotes a culture of excellence and patient-centered care has been found to positively impact quality outcomes in healthcare organizations.
Another internal driver is organizational culture, which encompasses the values, beliefs, and norms that shape the behavior and attitudes of staff within an organization. A positive organizational culture that values teamwork, communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement is essential for achieving high-quality outcomes (Wagner et al., 2018). On the other hand, a negative organizational culture characterized by hierarchical structures, poor communication, and resistance to change can hinder quality improvement efforts.
Resources and infrastructure are also important internal drivers that can impact quality outcomes. Adequate availability and allocation of resources, including human resources, technology, and facilities, are crucial for delivering high-quality care. For instance, a study by Delcour et al. (2018) found that a lack of resources, such as staffing shortages, was a significant barrier to achieving quality outcomes in hospitals.
Turning to external drivers, one prominent factor is healthcare policies and regulations. Government policies and regulations shape the operational landscape for hospitals and healthcare providers, setting standards for quality, safety, and patient outcomes. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining accreditation and receiving reimbursements. However, an excessive regulatory burden can also create barriers to innovation and quality improvement (Harrison et al., 2015).
Accreditation standards, set by independent accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission and the National Committee for Quality Assurance, also serve as external drivers on quality. Compliance with these standards is often required for providers and hospitals to demonstrate their commitment to quality improvement and patient safety. Accreditation can benefit organizations by providing a framework for standardized practices and guiding quality improvement efforts (Drury et al., 2018). However, criticism has been raised regarding the impact of accreditation on patient outcomes, with some studies suggesting limited effectiveness in improving quality (Braithwaite et al., 2018).
Market demands and patient expectations are further external drivers that can impact quality outcomes. In response to market competition, hospitals and providers may strive to deliver higher quality care to attract and retain patients. Patient expectations also play a crucial role in driving quality improvement efforts. Studies have shown that patient satisfaction is associated with better clinical outcomes and adherence to treatment plans (Premanandh et al., 2016). Therefore, providers have a strong incentive to meet and exceed patient expectations to improve quality outcomes.
In conclusion, internal and external drivers significantly influence quality outcomes in hospitals and healthcare providers. Internal drivers such as leadership, organizational culture, and resources shape the organization’s ability to deliver high-quality care. External drivers, such as policies and regulations, accreditation standards, market demands, and patient expectations, also impact quality outcomes. Understanding these drivers, their positive and negative impacts, and how they interact with each other is vital for healthcare organizations seeking to improve quality and maximize patient outcomes.