Propose a high-level quality improvement initiative for a selected departmental strategic priority, and choose an effective method of presenting your proposal to executive leaders and other stakeholders in the organization and community.
Doctoral Leadership
Sample Answer
To propose a high-level Quality Improvement (QI) initiative, it is essential to align the project with a specific departmental strategic priority—such as patient safety, operational efficiency, or patient experience.
Below is a proposal for a QI initiative focused on Reducing Hospital Readmissions through an "Enhanced Discharge Coordination" (EDC) program, followed by a strategy for presenting this proposal to executive leadership and stakeholders.
Part 1: High-Level Quality Improvement Initiative
Strategic Priority: Enhance Continuity of Care and Reduce 30-Day Readmission Rates.
1. The Problem
Current data shows a significant "care gap" during the transition from hospital to home. Patients often experience confusion regarding new medications and follow-up appointments, leading to preventable complications and readmissions within 30 days of discharge.
2. The Proposed Initiative: The EDC Program
The Enhanced Discharge Coordination (EDC) program is a multidisciplinary approach that shifts discharge from a "transactional event" to a "supported transition."
Multidisciplinary Handoffs: Implementing "Bedside Medication Reconciliation" where a pharmacist and nurse jointly review medications with the patient 24 hours before discharge.
The 48-Hour Safety Net: A mandated follow-up phone call by a dedicated Reentry Coordinator within 48 hours to screen for "red flag" symptoms and verify pharmacy pickup.
Visual Discharge Kits: Replacing dense text instructions with "Visual Health Passports" that use color-coded zones (Green, Yellow, Red) to help patients recognize when to call a doctor.