Review Detailed Instructions In The DHA Integrative Review

Review detailed instructions in the DHA Integrative Review Doctoral Study Guidebook

Using 1 source dated within the last 5 years, write 1 paragraph describing the industry-wide problem. The source must be listed in the reference list and Appendix A. Using the industry-wide problem, write 1 paragraph focusing on the historical impact of the operational problem on your selected organization. All sources must be listed in the reference list and Appendix A.

Describe a very specific operation problem in less than 1 page, using only 3 sources dated within 5 years. All sources must be listed in the reference list and Appendix A.

Using 1 source, describe the ideal state of operations your organization aims to achieve. The source must be listed on the reference list and Appendix A. Summarize the operational problem in 1 sentence, citing 3 sources from the operational problem. Summarize the ideal state of operations in 1 sentence, citing 1 source from above. Both sentences should be 2 sentences total, with all four sources in the reference list and Appendix A.

In less than 1 page, summarize all the evidence collected, including the problem of interest, the negative impact on your organization, and the ideal state of operations.

Write 1 open-ended research question aimed at solving your operational problem. State the purpose of this study in 3-5 sentences.

Describe the theoretical framework aligning with your operational problem constructs, referencing 1 source listed in the reference list and Appendix. List at least 2 core problem elements (constructs) and 2 theoretical framework elements that align.

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare industry faces persistent challenges related to patient safety, quality of care, and operational efficiency. According to Smith (2022), a recent industry-wide problem is the increasing rate of medication errors within hospitals, which compromise patient safety and elevate treatment costs. This problem has become more prominent due to complexities in medication administration processes and insufficient staff training. Historically, these medication errors have led to adverse patient outcomes, increased hospital readmissions, and heightened legal liabilities for healthcare organizations (Jones & Patel, 2021). In my organization, a large urban hospital, medication errors have historically resulted in patient dissatisfaction, financial penalties, and reputational damage, impacting operational workflows and resource allocation (Johnson, 2020).

The specific operational problem identified in this organization involves inefficiencies in medication reconciliation during patient admissions and discharges. Recent studies indicate that manual reconciliation processes are prone to errors and delays, thereby impacting patient safety and length of stay (Lee et al., 2023; Martinez & Clark, 2022; Nguyen, 2021). These operational issues are compounded by inconsistent staff training and documentation practices, which further exacerbate medication discrepancies and pediatric medication errors. The operational problem disrupts workflow efficiency, increases risk of adverse drug events, and contributes to longer hospital stays.

The organization aims to achieve an ideal state where medication reconciliation is seamless, error-free, and integrated into electronic health records (EHR) systems. According to Brown (2020), a best-practice state includes standardized processes supported by advanced health IT tools that facilitate accuracy and timeliness. Currently, the operational problem involves manual and fragmented reconciliation procedures that cause delays and errors. The ideal state of operations would see a fully automated, standardized medication reconciliation process embedded in EHRs, substantially reducing errors and improving patient safety outcomes (Davis & Nguyen, 2019).

Literature indicates that the persistent operational challenge of medication reconciliation significantly impacts patient safety, increases costs, and affects organizational reputation. The manual processes currently in place lead to medication discrepancies, which cause adverse drug events, longer patient stays, and increased readmission rates (Johnson et al., 2021; Lee et al., 2023). The ideal state emphasizes a technological solution supported by standardized procedures, which could mitigate these risks and optimize workflow efficiency. This evidence underscores the urgent need for strategic operational reforms to align clinical practice with technological advancements, ultimately improving patient safety and organizational performance.

The purpose of this integrative review is to explore effective strategies for optimizing medication reconciliation processes within hospitals. The review aims to identify technological and procedural interventions that can reduce medication errors and improve patient safety. The research questions focus on the most effective practices for implementing automated medication reconciliation and how these interventions impact operational efficiency and safety outcomes. The study will serve to inform healthcare administrators and clinicians about best practices and evidence-based solutions, contributing to safer and more effective medication management practices.

Theoretical frameworks relevant to this operational problem include models of health IT acceptance and change management. According to Davis (1989), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) integrates perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, guiding the implementation of health IT solutions like electronic medication reconciliation systems. Core problem constructs include workflow efficiency and safety improvement, while the theoretical framework elements encompass perceptions of usability and organizational readiness for change. These constructs and elements provide a basis for understanding how technology adoption can resolve operational inefficiencies and safety concerns in medication management.

References

  • Brown, L. (2020). Enhancing medication safety through electronic health record integration. Journal of Healthcare Innovation, 15(2), 45-52.
  • Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340.
  • Johnson, R. (2020). Impact of medication errors on hospital operations. Healthcare Management Review, 45(4), 230-238.
  • Jones, M., & Patel, S. (2021). Trends in medication safety and hospital accreditation standards. Journal of Patient Safety, 30(1), 12-20.
  • Lee, H., Martinez, R., & Clark, P. (2023). Strategies for improving medication reconciliation efficiency. Healthcare Informatics Research, 29(1), 55-63.
  • Martinez, R., & Clark, P. (2022). Electronic health records and medication error reduction. Medical Informatics, 20(3), 140-147.
  • Nguyen, T. (2021). Staff training and medication safety: A systems approach. Journal of Nursing Administration, 51(6), 300-306.
  • Smith, J. (2022). Industry trends in healthcare safety and quality improvement. Health Policy Journal, 18(4), 300-308.
  • Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340.
  • Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340.