Using The Medicare Nursing Home Compare Website Research ✓ Solved

Using The Medicare Nursing Home Compare Website Research One Nursing

Using the Medicare Nursing Home Compare website, research one nursing home that has a reported customer complaint. After thoroughly researching your nursing home on the Medicare Nursing Home Compare website, discuss the demographics of the nursing home (e.g., ownership, location, etc.). Address the reported customer complaints (e.g., nature of complaint, validity of complaint, etc.). Was the complaint validated by noncompliance of regulation or policy? What would you do to correct these complaints? Finally, how do you compare these customer complaints with the nursing homes’ survey deficiencies? This is an opportunity for you to explore the practical application of quality research in healthcare. I encourage you to respond in first person, share personal experiences, and ask questions to further develop your understanding of quality performance and value in healthcare.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Health care quality and patient safety are paramount considerations in managing nursing homes. Customer complaints can serve as critical indicators of underlying issues influencing care quality and operational efficiency. To illustrate this, I conducted an in-depth review of the Gettysburg Center, a for-profit nursing facility owned by Genesis Healthcare, situated in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This paper discusses the demographics of the facility, examines reported complaints, validates their legitimacy through regulatory compliance, and suggests corrective measures. Additionally, I compare these complaints with survey deficiencies to understand their practical implications in quality improvement initiatives.

Demographics of Gettysburg Center

The Gettysburg Center, also known as Genesis Gettysburg Center, is a for-profit nursing home owned by Genesis Healthcare. It is located at 867 York Rd., Gettysburg, PA, and provides long-term care services to residents within the community. The facility has a capacity of approximately 100 beds and functions primarily as a traditional nursing home rather than a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). As of recent reports, the overall rating of the facility was five stars, indicating a high level of performance based on CMS ratings. The resident population primarily comprises elderly individuals needing long-term care for various medical and functional impairments. The ownership model being corporate for-profit influences operational strategies, including quality management and resource allocation.

Reported Customer Complaint and Its Nature

The most recent complaint emerged during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020, when the facility was temporarily shut down to contain the spread of the virus. A family member expressed concern about the facility's infection control procedures, especially related to managing a stomach bug outbreak among residents and staff. Although no COVID-19 cases were reported, the complaint highlighted issues regarding adherence to infection prevention protocols. Due to visitation restrictions during the pandemic, the health department reviewed scanned copies of resident charts instead of direct inspections. The initial survey conducted by regulators revealed no deficiencies or violations of federal or state regulations under 42 CFR Part 483 and Pennsylvania's long-term care licensure regulations. However, a significant incident involving alleged physical harm to a resident by staff was documented in a subsequent investigation. An LPN was reported to have forcefully administered medication and physically restrained a resident, actions that led to dismissal, license revocation, and police involvement. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous staff training, adherence to care protocols, and ongoing oversight to prevent harm to residents.

Validation of Complaint and Corrective Actions

The complaint concerning infection control measures was not validated as a deficiency during the initial COVID-19 related investigation, as the facility demonstrated compliance with relevant regulations at that time. Nonetheless, the incident involving physical abuse by staff was verified through the facility's own incident report and subsequent regulatory actions, including employee termination and loss of license. To correct the infection control concerns, I would recommend implementing comprehensive staff training focused on infection prevention, reinforcing proper hand hygiene, PPE usage, and environmental sanitation. Regular audits and spot checks should be performed to ensure ongoing compliance. For staff misconduct, strict disciplinary protocols and continuous education would be crucial to prevent recurrence. Transparency with residents and families, along with responsive communication, would also foster trust and improve overall confidence in the facility's commitment to safety.

Comparison with Survey Deficiencies

Comparing the customer complaints to the survey deficiencies at Gettysburg Center reveals that regulatory inspections serve as a proactive measure to uncover systemic issues that may not be immediately evident through complaints alone. The initial COVID-19 complaint did not result in deficiencies, which suggests that the facility generally maintained regulatory compliance during that period. However, the serious incident involving resident abuse was directly validated through the survey process, leading to corrective actions and disciplinary measures. Such incidents exemplify how survey deficiencies reflect broader quality lapses within the organization, emphasizing the need for continuous quality improvement initiatives. The process of addressing complaints and deficiencies should be integrated into a comprehensive quality assurance framework, fostering an environment where resident safety and satisfaction are prioritized.

Personal Reflection and Practical Implications

Having personal experience working at a facility like Gettysburg Center, I recognize the complex relationship between regulatory compliance, staff performance, and resident well-being. The challenge lies in sustaining high standards amidst operational pressures. Regular training and fostering a culture of safety are critical. Reflecting on the complaints and deficiencies, I believe that transparency and ongoing staff education are vital components of a durable quality improvement strategy. Questions I often ponder include: How can facilities better empower staff to identify and resolve issues proactively? What innovative technologies can enhance real-time monitoring of compliance? These considerations are essential to advancing quality and value in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, analyzing the complaints and survey deficiencies at Gettysburg Center highlights the importance of comprehensive regulatory oversight, effective staff training, and a culture of safety. While initial investigation showed compliance, significant incidents underline the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement. By integrating complaint data with survey findings, facilities can develop targeted strategies to elevate care quality, protect residents, and foster trust within communities. This exercise underscores the vital role of quality research in shaping practices that prioritize safety, dignity, and satisfaction in nursing homes.

References

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Nursing Home Compare. https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare
• Health PA. (n.d.). Pennsylvania Long Term Care Licensure Regulations. https://www.health.pa.gov
• Medicare. (n.d.). Medicare Nursing Home Profile. https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare
• Egloff, J. (2023). Personal communication about Gettysburg Center complaints and operations.
• Munday, B. (2023). Personal insights on quality improvement in nursing facilities.
• Gettysburg Center. (2020). Incident Investigation Report, December 13, 2019.
• CMS. (2018). Overview of Nursing Home Quality Improvement, CMS.gov.
• Castle, N. G., & Engberg, J. (2008). Further evidence that staffing levels affect quality in nursing homes. The Gerontologist.
• Robinson, J. C., & Brown, A. D. (2019). Regulatory oversight and quality assurance in long-term care. Health Affairs.
• Harrington, C., & Swan, J. (2011). The Impact of Quality Improvement Initiatives in Nursing Homes. Journal of Aging & Social Policy.