Discussion: Using Evaluation Tools to Assess Quality Improvement Efforts

Like most other things in life, outcomes are the bottom line with respect to measurement of success along the path of quality improvement. However, without a careful analysis of the link between access, process, and structure of care, improvements in outcomes seem unattainable.—Sadeghi, Barzi, Mikhail, & Shabot, 2013In this Discussion, you consider how to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the results of quality improvement initiatives. In addition, you discuss the significance of evaluation and how you, as a nurse leader-manager, can contribute in an organization to the large-scale goal of facilitating quality improvement.

To prepare:Review methods for measuring and evaluating quality improvement efforts presented in the Learning Resources. Pay particular attention to how and why it is important to measure outcomes.Select one evaluation tool and analyze its benefits and relevance for the quality improvement plan you are developing for your Course Project.Consider how you, as a nurse leader-manager, can use the results from the evaluation to support the organization’s overarching goals for quality improvement.

By Day 3 Post a brief description of the evaluation tool that you selected. Explain the benefits of applying this tool as part of your quality improvement plan in the Course Project. Also explain how you could use the results from the evaluation to support the organization’s overarching goals for quality improvement. 

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional resources.

Required ReadingsHickey, J. V., & Brosnan, C. A. (2017). Evaluation  of health care quality in for DNPs (2nd  ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.Review Chapter 3, “Conceptual Models for Evaluation in Advanced Nursing Practice” (pp. 61-86) (assigned in Week 3)Sadeghi, S., Barzi, A., Mikhail, O., & Shabot, M. M. (2013). Integrating quality and strategy in health care organizations, Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.Review Chapter 8, “Quantifying the Quality Performance Gaps” (pp. 161–177) (assigned in Week 6)                  The authors focus on performance measures with particular focus on the relationship between financial and quality performance.                  Review Chapter 9, “Closing the Gaps” (pp. 179–194) (assigned in Week 7)                  This chapter explains how to utilize data collected during the evaluation stage in order to improve the quality of health care.                 Institute of Medicine. (2001). Crossing the quality chasm: A new health system for the 21st century. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.Retrieved from https://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2001/Crossing-the-Quality-Chasm/Quality%20Chasm%202001%20%20report%20brief.pdf This report outlines the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) six aims to improve the quality of health care. Review this information through the lens of evaluation. (Assigned in a previous week.)

One of the pivotal goals of consumer health literacy efforts is to design educational materials that attract as well as educate users. In this Assignment, you design a health information document on a topic that is of interest to you.

To prepare:

• Select a health issue of interest to you.
• Identify the audience or population that you seek to educate about this issue.
• Search the Internet to find credible sites containing information about your selected topic.
• Review the two health literacy websites listed in this week’s Learning Resources. Focus on strategies for presenting information.

To complete:

• Design an educational handout on the health issue you selected.
  • Include a cover page.
  • Include an introduction that provides:
    • An explanation of your issue and why you selected it
    • A description of the audience you are addressing
  • In the handout itself:
    • Develop your handout in such a way that it attracts the attention of the intended audience.
    • Include a description of the health issue and additional content that will enhance your message (i.e., key terms and definitions, graphics, illustrations, etc.).
    • Recommend four or five sites that provide clear, valuable, and reliable information on the topic.