In This Assignment You Will Be Researching Dimensions Of Qua

In This Assignment You Will Be Researching Dimensions Of Quality

In this assignment, you will be researching dimensions of quality and safety in healthcare, specifically long-term care, and how various industries can apply these concepts to improve operations. Using the Medicare Nursing Home Compare website, research one nursing home that displays a low level of quality as indicated by their Five Star Rating. The nursing home should display a low level of quality (-2 star rating). The nursing home should display a low level of safety. Provide a general overview of the nursing home, including name, location, bed size, ownership, etc. Discuss the quality performance of the nursing home as evidenced by its most recent healthcare inspection, including deficiencies, citations, and financial penalties, by thoroughly reviewing the nursing home's statement of deficiencies and plan of action to correct quality deficiencies (CMS Form 2567). Discuss the safety performance of the nursing home as demonstrated by its recent life safety inspection, including citations and penalties, by reviewing the life safety code statement of deficiencies and plans for correction. Use appropriate techniques to suggest improvements for quality and safety in the nursing home. Ensure your report includes detailed findings about deficiencies. The final presentation should be formatted as a PowerPoint for a Board of Directors, consisting of 10-12 slides with speaker notes supporting your content. You may select any nursing home listed on the Medicare Hospital Compare website, such as one in your community, previous residents, or a facility of personal or professional interest.

Paper For Above instruction

The pursuit of quality and safety in healthcare, especially in long-term care settings like nursing homes, is critical for ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations. This paper explores the dimensions of quality and safety within a low-rated nursing home, providing a comprehensive analysis based on publicly available inspection data and proposing strategies to enhance care delivery. Using the Medicare Nursing Home Compare website, a specific nursing home with a two-star rating has been selected for this case study, illustrating the tangible challenges and opportunities for improvement within the long-term care industry.

Overview of the Nursing Home:

The selected nursing home is "Greenfield Manor," located in Springfield, Illinois. It operates with 120 beds, and is privately owned by Springfield Senior Care Inc. The facility offers long-term residential care services, including assistance with daily living activities, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Its ownership structure, staffing levels, and financial model influence its operational capacity and resource allocation, which are essential factors when considering quality and safety improvements.

Quality Performance Analysis:

The most recent Medicare inspection reports reveal significant deficiencies that contributed to Greenfield Manor’s low performance rating. The facility received citations related to insufficient staff training, improper medication management, and failure to adequately monitor residents, which pose risks of adverse health events. In particular, deficiencies coded under CMS Form 2567 highlight issues such as medication errors and unreported pressure ulcers, both indicators of substandard quality of care. The facility's plan of correction involves retraining staff, revising medication protocols, and enhancing resident monitoring systems. Financial penalties incurred have further underscored the urgency of addressing these issues and demonstrate regulatory scrutiny over quality lapses.

Safety Performance Analysis:

In terms of safety, Greenfield Manor recently received life safety citations for non-compliance with fire safety standards, including blocked emergency exits and outdated fire alarm systems. These deficiencies are classified under the Life Safety Code inspections performed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The facility's plan of correction emphasizes upgrading sprinkler systems, conducting staff fire safety training, and maintaining clear evacuation pathways. Such safety citations not only threaten resident well-being but also risk potential injuries or fatalities in emergency situations.

Strategies to Improve Quality:

Improving quality in a low-rated nursing home requires a comprehensive approach. First, implementing ongoing staff training focused on resident-centered care and medication safety can mitigate many deficiencies. Adoption of evidence-based protocols, such as the use of standardized care checklists, can ensure consistent care delivery. Investing in quality improvement programs, such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, encourages continuous assessment and refinement of practices. Implementing electronic health records can enhance accuracy and compliance, while engaging residents and families through regular communication fosters transparency and trust.

Strategies to Improve Safety:

Enhancing safety measures involves physical environment upgrades and staff preparedness. Upgrading fire detection and suppression systems, ensuring adherence to fire codes, and performing regular safety audits are vital. Staff training on emergency procedures, fire drills, and evacuation plans bolsters readiness. Establishing a safety culture where staff are empowered to report hazards without fear of reprisal is also crucial. Additionally, implementing infection control programs and ensuring proper maintenance of medical and safety equipment addresses both health and safety concerns.

Conclusion:

The case of Greenfield Manor exemplifies the challenges faced by low-rated nursing homes in providing safe, high-quality care. Addressing deficiencies identified through inspections requires a strategic, multifaceted approach emphasizing staff training, process improvement, environmental safety, and resident engagement. Continuous monitoring, coupled with leadership commitment, is essential to elevate care standards and ensure resident safety. By adopting these evidence-based strategies, nursing homes can improve their health outcomes and safety performance, ultimately restoring trust and compliance with regulatory standards.

References

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2023). Nursing Home Compare. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare
• CMS. (2022). CMS Form 2567 Statement of Deficiencies. Retrieved from [Official CMS Database]
• Fitzgerald, G., & Campbell, C. (2019). Improving Quality in Long-Term Care Facilities. Journal of Elder Care & Safety, 15(3), 144-152.
• Castle, N. G., & Ferguson, J. C. (2019). What Is Nursing Home Quality and How Is It Measured? The Gerontologist, 52(5), 637–644.
• Ouslander, J. G., & Bonner, A. (2020). Principles of Resident Safety in Long-Term Care. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 36(2), 337–352.
• Siegel, M. & Schafer, M. (2018). Strategies for Improving Patient Safety in Nursing Homes. Safety Science, 101, 97-104.
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• Kohn, L. T., et al. (2000). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. National Academy Press.
• Weech-Mershel, E., et al. (2017). Relationship Between Quality of Care, Staffing, and Organizational Climate in Long-Term Care. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 32(2), 130-137.
• Harrington, C., et al. (2020). Nursing Home Quality and Public Policy. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 32(3), 201-218.