Introduction:
The movement for quality measure, assessment and improvement dates back to the era of Florence Nightingale where she correlated the improved outcome in the wounded soldiers to the quality of nursing care. Nightingale’s used of statistical tools to interpret data became the foundation of evidence based nursing. Unless measured it is difficult to understand exactly how we can achieved improvement without a reliable source. Data collection, measurement and evaluation enable healthcare providers to accurately identify the problems and assist in prioritizing quality improvement initiatives. Determining which data to collect, how to collect it, and how to translate that data into useful information is a key tool in the overall performance measurement and quality improvement process. This module will assist students to understand the role of measurement of data in quality improvement and performance, and understand the importance of publicly reported hospital quality measures.
Objectives:
Objectives:
1. Review different types and applicability of Quality Indicators.
2. Understand the difference between Structure, Process, and Outcome measures
3. Explore and compare different indicators at local hospitals.
This module contributes to Course Objective
1. Describe the supporting evidence by which selected quality measures and safety measures are developed, validated, and endorsed
This module contributes to AACN Essential outcomes:
2.6 Apply concepts of quality and safety using structure, process, and outcome measures to dentify clinical questions and describe the process of changing current practice
3.8 Acquire an understanding of the process for how nursing and related healthcare quality and safety measures are developed, validated, and endorsed
Textbook:
Spath, P. (2018). Introduction to Health Care Quality Management (3rd ed). Health Administration Press.
Measuring Performance, Chapter 3, pp. 35-74
Required articles:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) (2015) Data Sources for Health Care Quality Measures. https://www.ahrq.gov/talkingquality/measures/understand/index.html
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (2020) Quality Measures. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/QualityMeasures
Go to Hospital Compare website at http://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html
Locate and find three (3) hospitals that are within your close proximity (Type your zip code when prompted)
Compare the three hospitals of choice among these quality indicators and provide the number ratings:
Patient Survey on “Nurses Communicating Well” HCAHPS
Patient Survey on “Pain Control”
Heart Attack Timely and Effective Care
Complications: Health Care Associated Infections
Compare each hospitals result to the state and national average (if available). Include visual graphics (charts) to show differences.
Analyze the quality of care provided as indicated in the website.
Develop a statement about how you would use this information to inform and advocate for your patient as consumer of healthcare.
