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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Write a case study where the APRN is leading a Quality Improvement project. Identify an area of concern in the Family Practice setting and apply the steps of the PDSA cycle. How does the use of the PDSA cycle contribute to the improvement of the area of concern? How will care delivery and patient outcomes be impacted by the Quality Improvement project? What types of healthcare technology will be included in the Quality Improvement project? Cite at least two professional references.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Introduction
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play a crucial role in the delivery of primary care in the Family Practice setting. They are trained to provide high-quality care to patients, but even in the best of circumstances, there may be areas of concern that require improvement. This case study will examine a Quality Improvement (QI) project led by an APRN in a Family Practice setting, where the APRN identified an area of concern and applied the steps of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to improve the quality of care delivery and patient outcomes.
Area of Concern
The APRN in this case study identified an area of concern in the Family Practice setting related to the management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Chronic disease management is a complex process that requires ongoing monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medication adjustments. The APRN observed that many patients with chronic diseases were not adhering to their treatment plans and were not receiving the appropriate level of care to manage their conditions effectively.
Steps of the PDSA Cycle
The APRN decided to apply the steps of the PDSA cycle to address the area of concern. The steps of the PDSA cycle are as follows:
- Plan: The APRN developed a plan to improve the management of chronic diseases in the Family Practice setting. The plan included the implementation of a system for tracking patient adherence to treatment plans, a protocol for medication adjustment, and a system for tracking patient outcomes.
- Do: The APRN implemented the plan and trained the staff in the Family Practice to use the new tracking system and follow the protocol for medication adjustment.
- Study: The APRN monitored the implementation of the plan and collected data on patient adherence to treatment plans, medication adjustment, and patient outcomes.
- Act: Based on the results of the study, the APRN made adjustments to the plan and continued to monitor the implementation and impact of the Quality Improvement project.
Impact of the Quality Improvement Project
The use of the PDSA cycle in this Quality Improvement project had a significant impact on the care delivery and patient outcomes in the Family Practice setting. The tracking system and protocol for medication adjustment improved patient adherence to treatment plans, which led to better management of chronic diseases and improved patient outcomes. The APRN also observed a decrease in the number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with chronic diseases, which indicates that the Quality Improvement project had a positive impact on the overall health of patients in the Family Practice setting.
Healthcare Technology
The Quality Improvement project in this case study utilized several types of healthcare technology to improve the delivery of care and patient outcomes. The APRN used an electronic medical record (EMR) system to track patient adherence to treatment plans and medication adjustment. The EMR system also provided the APRN with real-time data on patient outcomes, which allowed for continuous monitoring and adjustment of the Quality Improvement project. Additionally, the APRN utilized telehealth technology to communicate with patients and provide ongoing support and education.
Conclusion
The APRN-led Quality Improvement project in this case study demonstrates the potential for APRNs to play a critical role in improving the quality of care delivery and patient outcomes in the Family Practice setting. The use of the PDSA cycle and healthcare technology allowed the APRN to identify and address an area of concern related to the management of chronic diseases and make a significant impact on the overall health of patients in the Family Practice setting.
References:
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (n.d.). Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. Retrieved from https://www.ihi.org/
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