3. Healthcare Delivery Strategies
b. Implement strategies and tools related to quality improvement issues in the healthcare setting.
In the Design of Quality Improvement course, I developed a flowchart that was to improve the process of scheduling electronic implants in MRI. Implementing a new process using strategies like a written step-by-step approach closes possible error gaps within a task. A flowchart gives the project a visual that illustrates successful process requirements in chronological order. The objective of my project was to resolve a broken process. As a result, patients with implanted devices have been getting scheduled faster for their MRI appointments resulting in quicker diagnoses. As leaders, it is important to identify the root of why errors are being made before setting unrealistic expectations for a team. This often starts by ensuring policies and procedures are easy to understand and comply with. Process improvement is instrumental in making an effective leader.
In the Design of Quality Improvement Course, I created a cause-and-effect diagram to evaluate the complexities that scheduling implanted devices entails and recognize areas for improvement. This tool was used to help me identify all of the components that needed to be addressed in the creation of the flowchart. Determining what changes should be tested to improve the process can be challenging. This diagram helps explore and display causes that contribute to the effects or outcomes which gives insight to the changes that will likely be successful. Utilizing evaluation tools like this in a process improvement project help leaders effectively solve issues without missing key components before implementation. Without tools like this, process improvement projects may be drawn out longer than needed.