Healthcare organization X is committed to improving patient ...

[Ebrown]

Healthcare organization X is committed to improving patient outcomes and, as part of the QI process, examines its executive structure and organizational design. This approach recognizes:
 
  a. The importance of decentralized structure in QA.
  b. That structure influences nurse burnout and participation in quality improvement initiatives.
  c. The need to ensure sufficient supervisory staff to respond in a corrective manner when mistakes occur.
  d. That a narrow hierarchy ensures accountability for errors and outcomes.

Question 2

A new RN staff member asks you about the difference between QA and QI. You explain the difference by giving an example of QI.
 
  a. Last year, the management team established new outcomes that addressed issues such as medication errors.
  b. At a staff meeting last year, two of our staff commented on the number of recent falls and asked, What can we do about it?'
  c. A process audit was done recently to determine how much time was being spent on patient documentation.
  d. Errors are reported on our new computerized forms, and I follow up with staff to make sure that they understand the seriousness of their error.

[kristenb95]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Common organizational characteristics of Magnet hospitals include structure factors (e.g., decentralized organizational structure, participative management style, and influential nurse executives) and process factors (e.g., professional autonomy and decision making, ongoing professional development/education, active quality improvement initiatives). ANCC Magnet designated hospitals and other high-reliability organizations in the United States and Europe generally have lower burnout rates, higher levels of job satisfaction, and provide higher levels of quality care resulting in greater levels of patient satisfaction (Aiken et al., 2012; Kelly, McHugh, & Aiken, 2011).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
In QI, followers invest in the process by continually asking What makes this indicator important to measure? What has been done to improve it? What can I do to improve it?

[Ebrown]

Thank you

[kristenb95]

Happy to help you