Option #1: Continuous Quality Assurance
For this assignment, you will write a paper addressing the following:
Research Continuous Quality Assurance (CQA) efforts in a health care facility other than hospitals (e.g., mental health, public health, school clinics, and integrated medicine centers). Consider how quality efforts relate to patient-physician relationships and quality delivery of services in healthcare settings. Summarize your findings and discuss the ethical foundations of such efforts.
Your paper should meet the following requirements:
- Be 900 – 1200 words of content in length, not including the cover or reference pages.
- Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
- Support your analysis by referencing and citing at least three credible sources other than the course textbooks, readings, or lecture. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Use headings to organize your work.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Continuous Quality Assurance (CQA) is an important concept in healthcare facilities as it ensures quality and safe delivery of healthcare services to patients. In this assignment, we will address the importance of CQA and how it relates to patient-physician relationships and quality delivery of healthcare services in health care facilities other than hospitals.
Answer:
Continuous Quality Assurance refers to a strategic approach to quality management that emphasizes a continuous cycle of evaluating, improving, and maintaining the quality of healthcare services and patient health outcomes. In mental health facilities, for instance, the primary objective of CQA is to ensure the delivery of quality mental health services that are safe and effective for patients. By using CQA methodology, healthcare providers can detect variations from the standard of care and make necessary improvements to optimize care delivery. Continuous quality improvement can enhance patient satisfaction, reduce medical errors, causes of re-admission, and healthcare-associated infections.
CQA is critical to enhancing the relationship between patients and physicians as it ensures that patients receive quality care services that are safe and effective. Consequently, patients develop trust and confidence in their physicians and tend to have improved outcomes. For example, CQA programs in school clinics ensure that children seeking medical attention receive quality services that meet the standards of care. Pediatricians assigned to school clinics ensure they are accessible during the school hours and providing the necessary healthcare requirements, e.g., immunizations, height, and weight assessments. CQA in public health facilities ensures that health services are accessible and affordable to the general population irrespective of socio-economic status. Continuous quality assurance in integrated medicine centers ensures that alternative modes of health services in line in the core principles of evidence-based medicine.
The ethical foundations of CQA in healthcare facilities are rooted in the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for autonomy. Beneficence refers to the obligation to do good and provide the best possible care to patients. Non-maleficence means the duty to avoid harm to patients, while respect for autonomy relates to the freedom and respect patients receive in regards to medical choices. CQA aims to improve patient outcomes while enhancing patient safety and care privacy under ethical standards.
In conclusion, the use of Continuous Quality Assurance programs in healthcare facilities guarantees the adherence to best practices aside from promoting the ethical and professional commitment of health service providers. Implementation of CQA programs ensures that patients receive quality care while optimizing positive patient outcomes.
