Pioneering a Nursing Home Quality Improvement Learning Collaborative: A Case Study of Method and Lessons Learned

Purpose Improving healthcare quality has become a worldwide effort. Strategic problem solving (SPS) is one approach to improve quality in healthcare settings. This case study aims to illustrate the process of applying the SPS approach in implementing a quality improvement project in a referral hospital. Design/methodology/approach A project team was formed to reduce the hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rate in the neonatology unit. A new injection policy was implemented according to the root cause identified. Findings The HAI rate decreased from 6.4 per cent pre-intervention to 4.2 per cent post-intervention. The compliance of performing the aseptic injection technique significantly improved by 60 per cent. Practical implications This case study illustrated the detailed application of the SPS approach in establishing a quality improvement project to address HAI and injection technique compliance, cost-effectively. Other departments or hospitals can apply the same approach to improve quality of care. Originality/value This study helps inform other hospitals in similar settings, the steps to create a quality improvement project using the SPS approach.

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Examining the Lived Experience of Nursing Home Quality Improvement: The Case of a Multifacility Falls Reduction Project

Journal of Gerontological Nursing ◽

10.3928/00989134-20130627-02 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 39 (9) ◽

pp. 24-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kathleen Abrahamson ◽

Heather Davila ◽

Christine Mueller ◽

Thomas Inui ◽

Greg Arling

Keyword(s):

Quality Improvement ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Nursing Home Quality

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EVALUATING THE EVIDENCE BASE OF A STAFFING GUIDELINE FOR DUTCH NURSING HOMES

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1399 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S381-S381

Author(s):

Ramona Backhaus ◽

Hilde Verbeek ◽

Bram De Boer ◽

Erik Van Rossum ◽

Jos Schols ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Improvement ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Nursing Homes ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Care Provision ◽

Ministry Of Health ◽

Nursing Home Quality ◽

Quality Framework ◽

Board Level

Abstract Related to the Dutch nursing home quality framework implemented in 2017, a staffing guideline was developed, aimed at assisting nursing homes to adequately staff their wards. For the Dutch Ministry of Health, we investigated the evidence base of this guideline. We critically reviewed scientific literature (n=65) and interviewed (inter)national experts (n=8) and potential guideline users (n=5). We found that departing a quality improvement dialogue directly from teams, clients and their families is positive. However, weaknesses were identified as well. Several risks exist for employees to adequately assess resident needs. Furthermore, buy-in is needed from board level to develop a vision on which competencies and amount of staff are needed to fulfill these needs. Examples of guideline improvement recommendations were assisting teams in how to assess resident needs, critically reflect on care provision and considering a role for (top)management. Overall, it was concluded that the value of the guideline was limited.

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