Learn four steps to address quality and safety issues in your healthcare organization, and how this can boost your skills and reputation as a healthcare manager.

1) Identifying the root causes of the issues. 2) Implementing corrective measures swiftly to address the problems. 3) Communicating openly with staff about the concerns and the steps being taken to resolve them. 4) Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals and administrators, to ensure a comprehensive approach to improvement. 5) Continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented changes to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

Practice high-reliability principles, acknowledge the problem, commit to zero harm, & foster a culture of transparency & psychological safety empowering everyone to report safety concerns. Leverage technology & standardize protocols, establish regular safety audits, & risk assessments, & implement evidence-based practices. Create mechanisms to report safety incidents, near misses, & hazards. Embrace a culture where each adverse event is an opportunity to identify underlying system issues & implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Invest in staff training focused on safety, & high-reliability principles. Establish KPIs & analyze data to identify trends, areas for improvement, & opportunities to reduce risk. Celebrate success!

What do you do if healthcare quality and patient safety are at risk under your management?

As a healthcare manager, you are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of the care delivered to your patients. However, sometimes you may face situations where these standards are compromised or threatened by internal or external factors. What do you do if healthcare quality and patient safety are at risk under your management? Here are some steps you can take to address the issue and restore confidence in your organization.

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to identify the nature and extent of the problem that is affecting the quality and safety of your services. You may need to collect and analyze data, conduct audits, interview staff and patients, or consult with experts to understand the root causes and the potential consequences of the issue. You should also document the problem and communicate it to the relevant stakeholders, such as your supervisors, colleagues, regulators, or accreditors.

Add your perspective

Richard G.

HealthAI Entrepreneur, Investor & Academic | Startup Mentor | Healthcare Executive | Non-Profit Board Member | Cal Haas Blue and Gold Alum
Report contribution
Always stop and assess. Often, we think we need to act, but the problem is likely persistent and it is best not to interrupt care. Call your team to discuss. PDSA if necessary - then execute. Develop a process that addresses the issue, then audit the process on the back-end to ensure longevity and confirm the revisions have the anticipated affect. Keep the members/patients in mind and always recall their need for care. Care delivery should be the primary objective.

Like

2 Develop a plan

The next step is to develop a plan to solve the problem and prevent it from recurring. You should involve your team and other key players in the process, and assign roles and responsibilities for each action. Your plan should include SMART goals, timelines, resources, and indicators to measure the progress and outcomes of your interventions. You should also consider the ethical, legal, and financial implications of your plan, and seek approval from the appropriate authorities if needed.

Add your perspective

3 Implement the plan

The third step is to implement the plan and monitor its effectiveness. You should communicate the plan clearly and consistently to your staff and patients, and provide them with the necessary training, support, and feedback. You should also track the results of your actions, and collect and evaluate data on the quality and safety indicators. You should be ready to adjust your plan if you encounter any challenges or new information.

Add your perspective

Dan Hannan, MBA, BSN, BS, RN, NEA-BC

Assisting hospital leaders in creating sustainable operational improvements through process/facility re-design, cultural transformation, change management, stakeholder engagement, and emerging leader coaching/mentoring
Report contribution
Ensure that all staff members understand the details of the plan, their roles within it, and the importance of their contributions to improving healthcare quality and patient safety. Effective communication can be facilitated through staff meetings, detailed memos, or training sessions.

Like

4 Evaluate the plan

The final step is to evaluate the plan and its impact on the quality and safety of your services. You should compare the actual outcomes with the expected outcomes, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your plan. You should also solicit feedback from your staff and patients, and acknowledge their contributions and achievements. You should document the lessons learned and best practices from your experience, and share them with your organization and the wider healthcare community.

Quality and safety are essential aspects of healthcare management, and you have a duty to uphold them in your organization. By following these steps, you can address any problems that may arise, and ensure that your patients receive the best possible care. You can also enhance your reputation, credibility, and performance as a healthcare manager, and contribute to the improvement of the healthcare system as a whole.

Add your perspective

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Mathias Goyen, Prof. Dr.med.

Chief Medical Officer at GE HealthCare
Report contribution
1) Identifying the root causes of the issues. 2) Implementing corrective measures swiftly to address the problems. 3) Communicating openly with staff about the concerns and the steps being taken to resolve them. 4) Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals and administrators, to ensure a comprehensive approach to improvement. 5) Continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented changes to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

Like
Shilpa Rungta, MD MBA

Visionary and Transformational Leader I Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2024 I Healthcare Operations Expertise I Certified Yoga Instructor I Mentor I Lifelong Learner
Report contribution
Practice high-reliability principles, acknowledge the problem, commit to zero harm, & foster a culture of transparency & psychological safety empowering everyone to report safety concerns. Leverage technology & standardize protocols, establish regular safety audits, & risk assessments, & implement evidence-based practices. Create mechanisms to report safety incidents, near misses, & hazards. Embrace a culture where each adverse event is an opportunity to identify underlying system issues & implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Invest in staff training focused on safety, & high-reliability principles. Establish KPIs & analyze data to identify trends, areas for improvement, & opportunities to reduce risk. Celebrate success!

Like

What do you do if healthcare quality and patient safety are at risk under your management?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify the problem

2 Develop a plan

3 Implement the plan

4 Evaluate the plan

5 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Healthcare Management

More relevant reading

What do you do if healthcare quality and patient safety are at risk under your management?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify the problem

2 Develop a plan

3 Implement the plan

4 Evaluate the plan

5 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills