Instructions: Select one scenario from the 3 choices below, answer the assigned questions and post an initial response on the discussion board. You must cite at least 2 resources (one can be your textbook and the other must be an Internet site or article).

When posting the heading should look like this:

Initial Post Scenario Selection #

Read the directions carefully. If you do not use PDSA or FOCUS in your Discussion Board initial post, you will not receive points for that section.

For your scenario choice you must use the PDSA OR FOCUS methodology as shown below to demonstrate Quality Improvement.

PDSA

• PLAN –Establish the objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the expected output. Plan a change, test, or activity aimed at improvement (Processes could include flow sheets, or any documentation collected)
• DO –Implement the plan
• STUDY- the results of the implementation.  Analyze the data to determine if changes worked or met expectations.
• ACT- to hold what you’ve gained and to continue improvement.

OR

FOCUS

• F- Focus on an opportunity for improvement
• O- Organize a team.
• C- Clarify the process (what is currently being done)
• U- Understand what change is needed and why.
• S- Select, suggest solutions for improvement Issues to consider.

Scenario #1:

In the last quarter, results show a decline in patient satisfaction with IV therapy, dropping from 92% satisfaction to 75%. For the same quarter, the Materials Management Department reports an increase in the usage of IV start catheters and increased costs 30% over the budgeted amount. Six months previously, Materials Management was forced to suddenly change IV catheter vendors due to production problems. After reviewing the quarterly satisfaction results, the nursing managers consulted with the nursing staff regarding possible reasons for patient dissatisfaction regarding IV therapy. The staff voiced concerns with the IV catheters, stating that the catheters were difficult to thread into the vein causing the veins to blow upon insertion. Even the most skilled nurses expressed having difficulty the new product. After observing the insertion techniques, the nursing managers reported a variety of methods to resolve the issue.

Answer the following questions related to the scenario:

1. Who are the appropriate members for the team and why? (consider all departments involved)
2. What possible problems can be surmised by the subcommittee and prioritize the actions of the subcommittee to address the issue.
3. Based on your highest priority, develop a plan for improvement.
4. How will satisfaction be impacted by this process?

Scenario #2

You are a nurse working on a Medical-surgical unit. You receive your daily assignment and you notice that 3 of your 5 patients are on contact isolation for C-Diff Toxin (CDT). CDT has recently become a huge problem on your unit and lately questions and concerns have been voiced by the Infections Disease (ID) physicians concerning this problem. These concerns have been due to the increased consults received to the ID physicians to see patients who present with signs and symptoms of CDT. They want answers as to why this is occurring on this unit.

Answer the following questions related to the scenario:

1. Who are the appropriate members for the team and why? (consider all departments involved)
2. What possible problems can be surmised by the subcommittee and prioritize the actions of the subcommittee to address the issue.
3. Based on your highest priority, develop a plan for improvement.
4. How will satisfaction be impacted by this process?

Scenario #3

Due to a high turnover rate of seasoned nurses, an influx of new graduates and a lack of any recent major disasters in the area there is the need to re-address the stages/phases of the Emergency Response Plan.

You are a member of your units Nurse Practice Council which has been assigned to work with the Performance Improvement Council to review policy and protocol regarding elements of the hospital Emergency Response Plan. The Council is charged in brainstorming ways to create and disseminate an action plan to increase awareness and understanding of the facility’s Emergency Response Plan.

Answer the following questions related to the scenario:

1. What is are the stages/phases of an emergency response plan?
2. Who are the appropriate members for the team and why? (consider all departments involved).  Internal members and External members.
3. How often should the Emergency Response Plan be reviewed?
4. How will the performance in future disasters be impacted by increasing awareness?