Improvement Processes

• Description

Six-Sigma refers to various approaches and tools adopted in nursing to improve service delivery for the benefit of the patient. It addresses inadequacies that arise from nursing processes and attempts to eliminate the defects to enhance patient satisfaction. Medical errors such as misdiagnosis, inappropriate prescription, and treatment can lead to unprecedented death if they are not adequately addressed. Elements of six sigma help nursing practitioners to identify probable causes of the errors, and strategies for eliminating them. There are three core elements of six sigma which include process improvement, process re-design, and process management.

Process improvement reveals the main causes of inadequacies in nursing and how the problems can be solved. This element applies five steps to eliminate identifiable deficiencies. The problem must be first defined by a project team. This is followed by measurement which entails gathering data on the current process operational details to identify the basis of an existing problem. Problem analysis is conducted to determine its root causes. Improvement based on appropriate adjustments is an integral part of this element. The final stage involves effective control and implementation of the proposed changes.
Process re-design is adopted where the defects cannot be eliminated through the process improvement. This element advocates for either a complete overhaul or adjustment of the existing system processes to suit the patient’s needs. The process of re-design begins with defining potential targets and the expected outcomes (Junginger, 2016). The newly developed processes are aligned with the defined objectives followed by the analysis of the performance requirements. An outline framework is adopted at this stage. The new changes are implemented concerning the patients’ needs. Lastly, verification is done to ascertain the effectiveness and suitability of the new design to the clients’ needs.
The process management is an intricate element of the six-sigma. It also consumes a lot of time. It requires careful execution of the re-designed nursing processes to avoid recurring medical errors.
Describe the elements of PDSA
Plan-Do-Study-Act is a popular quality improvement tool that enhances the quality of services rendered to clients. PDSA is based on repetitive iteration steps to achieve desired outcomes. Each loop starts with planning for quality improvement, formulating the quality improvement process, analyzing the outcomes to check the success of the QI, acting on feedback, and integrating the feedback in the next phase (Papcun, 2019). It begins with a planning phase which involves the definition of objectives. This is followed by the formulation of an action plan. The actual implementation of the action plan is conducted based on well-thought strategies. The results of the implemented action plan are monitored to determine the success of the implementation phase. The final phase entails feedback analysis from the previous stage. The feedback can be incorporated into the cycle by making appropriate adjustments.
Describe total quality management (TQM) and the core elements associated with it.
This is a client-centered approach that engages all service providers in continuous improvement. It employs techniques, data as well as a robust communication to incorporate the quality concepts into the culture and practices of a medical entity. It operates on multiple total quality management elements. It is client-centered. The value of the nursing practice is determined by the feedback from the clients, thus patient’s needs are the focal point of TQM. Comprehensive employee involvement is also a key element in this process. It advocates for quality decision-making based on precise measurements. Relevant tools should be used to adequately identify and address non-conforming processes in an organization. Medical workers should embrace unity and teamwork to improve the quality of services.
Describe the elements of CQI
This process entails strategies used to boost performance, improve motivation, and use feedback appropriately to enhance the quality of operations. It endeavors to increase efficiency, effectiveness, quality, or performance of processes, services, and results. The quality improvement process starts with the evidence-based identification of standards and result indicators (Dzidowska et al., 2020). The standard should be scrutinized to reflect desirable client outcomes. The structure indicators should reflect the nursing care settings as well as available resources. Process indicators exhibit clinical policies and practice guidelines.

Dzidowska, M., Lee, K. K., Wylie, C., Bailie, J., Percival, N., Conigrave, J. H., … & Conigrave, K. M. (2020). A systematic review of approaches to improve practice, detection, and treatment of unhealthy alcohol use in primary health care: a role for continuous quality improvement. BMC Family Practice, 21(1), 1-22.

Junginger, S. (2016). Transforming Public Services by Design: Re-orienting policies, organizations, and services around people. Taylor & Francis.

Papcun, G. J. (2019). Medical device quality: managing cybersecurity design requirements through the application of PDSA and QFD.