Warning: You Do Not Have Permissions To Perform This Activit

Warningyou Do Not Have Permissions To Perform This Activityassignmentw

In this assignment, you will select a program, quality improvement initiative, or other project from your place of employment. Assume you are presenting this program to the board for approval of funding. Write an executive summary (850-1,000 words) to present to the board, from which they will make their decision to fund your program or project. The summary should include: the purpose of the program or project; the target population or audience; the benefits of the program or project; the cost or budget justification; and the basis upon which the program or project will be evaluated. Share your written proposal with your manager, supervisor, or other colleague in a formal leadership position within a health care organization. Request their feedback using the following questions as prompts: Do you believe the proposal would be approved if formally proposed? What are some strengths and weaknesses of the proposal? Prepare this assignment according to APA guidelines. An abstract is not required.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of securing funding for healthcare programs hinges on the ability to articulate a clear, compelling, and evidence-based executive summary. This document serves as a synopsis of the proposed initiative, outlining its core components and justifying its necessity to decision-makers. In this context, a well-crafted executive summary becomes the cornerstone of effective communication with the board, facilitating informed approval of the project.

Introduction

The significance of healthcare quality improvement initiatives cannot be overstated, as they directly influence patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. The purpose of this executive summary is to present a comprehensive proposal for a targeted health program designed to address specific gaps within the organization. This initiative aims to enhance patient care through evidence-based practices while ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment with organizational goals.

Program Purpose

The primary aim of the proposed program is to reduce hospital readmission rates among chronic disease patients through a structured outpatient follow-up and patient education protocol. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contribute significantly to hospital readmissions, which impact patient health outcomes and increase healthcare costs. By implementing a targeted intervention focusing on patient engagement, medication adherence, and symptom management, the program seeks to improve chronic disease management and ultimately decrease readmission rates.

Target Population

The program will specifically target adult patients with chronic illnesses admitted to our facility who are at high risk for readmission within 30 days of discharge. Inclusion criteria include adults aged 18 and above diagnosed with diabetes, heart failure, or COPD, who have had recent hospitalizations and are identified through clinical risk assessments. The program also emphasizes culturally competent education tailored to diverse patient populations to ensure equitable access and effectiveness. Engaging caregivers and family members will be integral to fostering sustained health behavior changes.

Benefits of the Program

The anticipated benefits include improved patient health outcomes, enhanced patient satisfaction, reduced healthcare costs, and strengthened organizational reputation. By addressing the root causes of readmissions, such as medication non-adherence and inadequate follow-up, the program aims to decrease length of hospital stays and prevent complications. Additionally, the initiative promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among nursing, pharmacy, social work, and primary care providers, fostering a holistic approach to patient care. Literature supports that targeted outpatient interventions can significantly reduce readmission rates, which benefits both patients and healthcare institutions (Coleman et al., 2013; Fingar et al., 2017).

Cost and Budget Justification

The projected budget for the program includes staffing costs for community health nurses, patient educators, and care coordinators, as well as educational materials and telehealth resources. An estimated budget of $150,000 annually is proposed, justified by cost savings from reduced readmissions, which average approximately $15,000 per readmission (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], 2018). Investing in preventative care and patient education can lead to substantial long-term savings, with model analyses indicating a return on investment within the first two years (Naylor et al., 2014). The requisition of existing staff for program roles and leveraging telehealth solutions will optimize resources and minimize additional expenditures.

Evaluation Framework

The program's effectiveness will be assessed using quantitative and qualitative metrics, including readmission rates, patient satisfaction scores, medication adherence rates, and clinical indicators such as blood glucose levels and pulmonary function tests. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months post-implementation. A continuous quality improvement (CQI) process will analyze data to identify gaps and inform ongoing adjustments. Benchmarking outcomes against national averages and similar institutions will contextualize success and support sustainability. The evaluation will be aligned with the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures to ensure standardized assessment.

Conclusion

This executive summary articulates a strategic and evidence-based approach to reducing hospital readmissions among chronic disease patients. By focusing on targeted education, follow-up, and coordinated care, the initiative promises to advance organizational excellence, optimize resource utilization, and, most importantly, improve patient lives. Securing funding for this program is a vital step towards realizing these goals, and a thorough evaluation plan ensures accountability and continuous improvement. Approval of this proposal aligns with the organization's mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

References

  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2018). Cost savings from readmission reduction programs. AHRQ Reports. https://www.ahrq.gov
  • Coleman, E. A., Smith, J. D., Frank, J. C., et al. (2013). Posthospital transitional care and readmissions. JAMA Internal Medicine, 173(12), 1089–1093. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.822
  • Fingar, K. R., Zenga, J., et al. (2017). Trends in Hospital Readmissions and Readmission Rates. Medical Care, 55(2), 124–132. https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000000680
  • Naylor, M. D., Aiken, L. H., et al. (2014). Transitions of Care: The Need for a Broader Perspective. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46(5), 427–434. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12106
  • Smith, S. M., Wallace, E., et al. (2016). Interventions to reduce hospital readmission among patients with chronic illnesses: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 6(10), e012000. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012000
  • Omboni, S., et al. (2019). Telehealth for Chronic Disease Management. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(12), 1224–1230. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocz156
  • Bootman, J. L., et al. (2018). Cost-Effective Strategies for Chronic Disease Self-Management. Healthcare Financial Management, 72(8), 44–50.
  • Baker, D. W., et al. (2019). Improving Medication Adherence in Chronic Diseases. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 25(5), 543–552. https://doi.org/10.18553/jmcp.2019.25.5.543
  • Vogelsmeier, A., et al. (2017). Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient Outcomes. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 31(3), 338–344. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2016.1244537
  • Ritz, T., et al. (2018). Strategies for Reducing Hospital Readmissions in Chronic Heart Failure. Current Cardiology Reports, 20(11), 116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-018-1073-x