Quality Improvement Plan

Words: 1442
Pages: 6

Improving Safety and Quality in Primary Care for Test Result Communication:
Quality Improvement Plan
In a primary care setting the most important diagnostic tools for providers are the test results, which determines future plan of care and individual health outcome. The delay or failure to notify patients in a timely fashion regardless of normal or abnormal results is a well- recognized quality gap in many primary care practices. According to Mold (2000), numerous malpractice claims are reported due to lack of documentation regarding patient-provider communication in relation to diagnostic test results. After reviewing multiple research articles on this topic, the STEP-UP (Study To Enhance Prevention by Understanding Practice) quality improvement
…show more content…
The four baseline elements describe the predisposing factors, which feature the foundation of the model. Motivation of key stakeholders, resources for change, outside motivators, and opportunities to change are strongly interconnected. An alteration or diversification to any of the elements can produce discontinuity and interruption of the workflow. According to Cohen et al. (2004), by adopting the STEP-UP model and understanding the connectivity of the aforementioned key elements, any desired quality improvement change can be delivered …show more content…
It is critical to examine any known possible impacts and have a strategic plan in place for unforeseen factors. Controlling cues, cognitive changes, social support and problem-solving skills are planned to be part of the customized plan.
The purpose of this Primary Practice Quality Improvement Plan is to constitute a performance improvement in order to deliver timely test result for patients. This quality gap is recognized by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which organization also promotes quality of care and patient care outcome. The value and mission of this primary care practice is to provide the highest standard of patient care with maximized professional collaboration of the involved stakeholders by applying clinical and ethical knowledge. The Practice Quality Improvement Plan details the new workflow as follows:
1. Clinical providers continue to order test results with a clear documentation in the EMR regarding preferred method of communication from the patient, which discussion is taken place during provider-patient contact.
2. Medical Assistants confirms the telephone number, email address or mailing address for accuracy during