FAX-BACK REPORT
Readers reveal concern about quality slippage
According to results from QI/TQM’s Fax-Back Survey in September, most readers have at least one other responsibility in addition to quality assurance. This ranges from case or outcomes management to discharge management and utilization. Here are more survey highlights and a sampling of your comments:
Does your QI program promote the use of evidence-based practice protocols among the clinicians?
- Yes, 88%.
How do caregivers like them? The nurses show slightly more acceptance of protocols than the physicians, However, 67% of reactions weigh in on the neutral to dislike-it-somewhat end of the scale.
Why? "Not a permanent part of the chart." "Difficult to get board to buy in."
- No, 12%.
Why? Fear of diminished individualization of care and concern that failure to adhere would lead to liability.
Are you aligning quality issues with consumer-based concerns?
- Yes, 63%.
How? Data gathered regularly from a percentage of discharged patients.
- No, 37%.
Why? The majority say their facilities are still gathering data to integrate consumer-based concerns into QI initiatives.
Is the quality of care suffering? (75% of respondents answered the question.)
- Yes, 66%.
Why? Shortage of licensed nurses and support personnel to give the required level of care. Attitudes. Patients being discharged too quickly. Staff shortages due to lack of monies from previously approved hospital stays. Reverberations from recent changes in patient care delivery models and staff re-engineering.
- No, 33%.
[Responses to the recent survey represent 1% to 3% of our hard copy and on-line readers. Thanks to those of you who took the time to respond. Our No. 1 priority is to give you information you can use the moment you read it. The best way for us to do this is to learn what’s on your mind. Please make it a point to talk to us through future fax-back surveys — and, meanwhile, send those questions and success stories to Mary Kouri, QI/TQM editor. Telephone: (303) 771-8424. Fax: (303) 740-0520. E-mail, [email protected].]
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