Free Healthcare Quality Improvement Essay Sample

This paper explores the application of rational health care delivery systems when the quality of service clients receive is poor. It discusses the use of quality as a control tool in public health and the quality measurement tools used by health care organizations as a means to improve their services. Lastly, it briefly talks about the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award Program.

Having a rational health delivery system means that the health services for health clients has a likelihood of desired health outcome and is consistent with the current professional knowledge. When clients receive poor quality of service this means that the quality of health care offered is technically incompetent, ineffective, and unsafe to the client’s life. Of top importance is to ensure that clients receive quality service and means to acquire rational health delivery systems should be considered through adoption of Electronic health records. This system improves health care delivery and cuts costs. Health, E. Quality is a control tool in public health as it is the way clients are treated by the system providing the services. Quality puts forth the main six aims of health care; safe, effective, timey, patient-centered, equitable and efficient. Improving quality health care programs benefits other health services and encourages clients to seek higher-quality services for their health care needs.

Quality measurement tools used by health organizations to improve their services include PDSA model and six sigma strategy. Plan-Do-Study-Act model is used by quality improvement projects and studies meant to make helpful changes in health care process. The model is used by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement for rapid cycle improvement. It aims at finding the relationship between changes in processes and the outcomes. The other tool, Six sigma was originally designed like a business strategy and involves improving, designing and monitoring processes to minimize waste when satisfaction is being optimized and helps in increasing the stability. Six sigma uses two methods, one inspects process outcome and counts the defects while the other predicts process performance by using estimates of process variation.

Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award is an annual program where this award is presented by the president of United States to both public and private organizations that show quality and performance excellence. It was founded by congress in 1987 and it gives three awards to each of the following six categories; Manufacturing, Service Company, Small business, Education, Healthcare and Nonprofit making organizations. 

Within the realm of healthcare, the adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) not only enhances service delivery but also facilitates seamless communication among healthcare providers. This interconnectedness promotes a more holistic approach to patient care, with practitioners having access to a patient's comprehensive medical history, medications, and treatment plans. The result is a more informed and coordinated healthcare delivery system. Expanding on the quality measurement tools, it's worth noting that the PDSA model fosters a culture of continuous improvement within healthcare organizations. It emphasizes the iterative nature of refining processes, allowing for real-time adjustments based on the observed outcomes. This adaptability is crucial in the dynamic landscape of healthcare, where staying abreast of emerging best practices is paramount.

In the context of Six Sigma, its application in healthcare extends beyond process optimization. The methodology's focus on minimizing defects and enhancing stability aligns with the healthcare sector's commitment to patient safety. Healthcare organizations implementing Six Sigma methodologies often experience reduced errors in treatment, improved patient outcomes, and increased overall operational efficiency. The Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award Program serves not only as a recognition platform but also as a reservoir of best practices. Organizations that receive these prestigious awards become beacons of inspiration, with their methods and approaches often studied and emulated by others in the industry. This knowledge-sharing aspect contributes to a collective elevation of standards within healthcare and other sectors.

In the broader scope of quality in healthcare, patient-centered care involves actively engaging patients in their treatment plans. This approach recognizes the importance of involving individuals in decisions about their health, fostering a sense of empowerment and collaboration. Patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans often see marked improvements when healthcare providers embrace a patient-centered approach. The landscape of healthcare quality is also evolving with advancements in data analytics. Health organizations are increasingly leveraging big data and analytics to derive actionable insights. This analytical approach aids in identifying patterns, predicting potential issues, and optimizing resource allocation, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services.

In summary, the pursuit of quality in healthcare involves not only the implementation of established models and strategies but also a continuous commitment to innovation and adaptability. The integration of technologies like Electronic Health Records, the emphasis on patient-centered care, and the harnessing of data analytics represent the evolving frontier of healthcare quality improvement. The Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award Program stands as a beacon, illuminating the path for organizations to aspire to and achieve excellence in healthcare delivery.