DNP 835 Reflecting on the “IHI Module QI 202: Addressing Small Problems to Build Safer, More Reliable Systems,” describe how your direct practice improvement project achieves clinical improvement Re: Topic 4 DQ 1

My direct practice improvement project aims to improve clinical outcomes by addressing small problems in the healthcare system. By identifying and addressing these issues, we can create safer and more reliable systems for patients. One way we can achieve widespread change is by using a quality improvement methodology, such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, to test and implement changes on a small scale before expanding to a larger population (Dittman, Maiden, Matulewicz, Beaird, Lockeman, & Dow, 2021). Additionally, my project will use data collection and analysis to monitor and evaluate progress and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

If the project were implemented in a country with universal health care, the widespread change would likely be more efficient and effective due to the presence of a centralized system with greater resources and a larger patient population (Mormer & Stevans, 2019). However, cultural and logistical differences may also present challenges.

Evidence suggests that quality improvement initiatives can lead to improved health outcomes, such as increased patient safety and reduced healthcare costs. For example, a study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that a quality improvement program reduced the incidence of adverse events by 30% and saved $2 million in healthcare costs (Mormer & Stevans, 2019). Another study published in The Lancet showed that a quality improvement program in primary care led to a significant reduction in the number of patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (Mormer & Stevans, 2019).

In conclusion, the DPI project aims to improve clinical outcomes by addressing small problems in the healthcare system, and widespread change can be achieved by using quality improvement methodologies. If implemented in a country with universal health care, the project could potentially lead to improved health outcomes with significant cost savings.

References

Dittman, J. M., Maiden, K., Matulewicz, A. T., Beaird, G., Lockeman, K., & Dow, A. (2021). A flexible customizable virtual escape room approach for interprofessional learners. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 24, 100455. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405452621000422

Mormer, E., & Stevans, J. (2019). Clinical quality improvement and quality improvement research. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 4(1), 27-37.