NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 1 Proposing Evidence-Based Change NURS-FPX 6218 Leading the Future of Health Care ​​​​​​​Change Proposal Summary Report

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 1 Proposing Evidence-Based Change

NURS-FPX 6218 Leading the Future of Health Care

Change Proposal Summary Report

The primary objective of this executive summary report is to suggest a modification for Tampa General Hospital’s pharmaceutical error reduction program. To achieve this, extensive research on medication errors is carried out. Then, a comparative analysis of how they are managed in healthcare systems outside of the United States is done. This will identify practical solutions and strategies for change proposals that will enhance the health of individuals by lowering medication errors.

Executive Summary

Proposed Change

At Tampa General Hospital, one critical aspect requiring focused attention is the reduction of drug administration errors, which includes routine medications and nutritional supportive therapies. The current services offered by TGH include the implementation of Electronic Medication Records (EMR) and Barcoding Medication Administration System (BCMA). However, the ability to administer, track, and maintain the continuity of medication administration remains a gap, posing significant risks to patient safety and well-being. Thus, TGH requires an interoperable BCMA system that improves interoperability from admission to discharge (Citty et al., 2020).

By prioritizing efforts to address this issue, the hospital can enhance the quality of care provided to its patients while mitigating adverse outcomes associated with medication errors. Clear expectations for improvement include implementing comprehensive medication reconciliation processes at all points of care and ensuring accurate documentation of medication orders and administration. Moreover, healthcare provider education and training on safe medication practices should be enhanced. Additionally, technology solutions such as implementing interoperable barcode scanning should be further leveraged to reduce errors (Citty et al., 2020). 

Desired Outcomes

The desirable outcomes to be examined through the proposed change are reduced medication errors and financial and health implications. Firstly, accurate medication reconciliation processes ensure that patients’ medication regimens are thoroughly reviewed and documented upon admission, transfer, and discharge, reducing the risk of errors due to discrepancies in medication records. Reduction in medication errors will be measured through dashboard metrics. Secondly, the implementation of advanced technology solutions, such as interoperable barcode scanning systems, facilitates the safe and efficient administration of medications, minimizing the potential for duplication errors and reducing patient complications, thus producing positive impacts on patient health outcomes and cost-effectiveness (Luokkamäki et al., 2020).

This outcome will be measured through post-implementation patient satisfaction scores, financial viability within the organization, and cost-saving outcomes. Moreover, comprehensive healthcare provider education and training programs enhance awareness and competency in safe medication practices, fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability among staff members. This outcome is measured through improved healthcare practices and reducing errors through nursing practices by evaluating medication error incident reports.