Nurses play a critical role in ensuring quality of care. In this case, they implement strategies and interventions, enhancing patient safety. Thus, one can argue that patient safety is indistinguishable from a health practitioner’s duty to deliver quality health care (Mitchell, 2008). Moreover, the definition of quality care can only be constructed upon the interaction among appropriate parties who agree on its standards and probabilities. Considering this background, quality can be considered the extent to which healthcare improves the likelihood of desired results, such as health-promoting behavior and the effective management of symptoms. On the other hand, safety entails preventing harm to patients and is the basis upon which quality of care is defined. An analysis of two artifacts (Professional Roles and Values and Root Cause Analysis papers) completed during the program reveals this professional definition of quality and safety, as well as its development throughout the program.
The ‘Professional Roles and Values’ paper supports the professional definition of quality and safety. The paper highlights several aspects of quality and safety, including the provision of accurate, effective, and timely care. For instance, quality is defined as the extent to which healthcare improves the likelihood of desired results. Improving the comfort of patients translates to them feeling well-cared for. The artifact reveals how interpersonal relationships can enhance the provision of care using Hildegard Peplau’s theory of Interpersonal Relations. Notably, constant communication and interaction between the nurse and patients leads to an understanding of the patient’s need, translating to the effective development of a plan for care. On the other hand, safety entails preventing harm to patients. Safety practices reduce the risk of adverse events related to the provision of care. This artifact highlights that the Texas Nurse Practice Act and the State Board of Nursing (BON) provide guidelines that ensure safe practices. In this way, the artifact emphasizes on the definitions of care and safety by highlighting practical applications.
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The ‘Root Cause Analysis’ paper also supports the professional definition of quality and safety. In this case, to improve the likelihood of effective surgical procedures and the administration of medicine in healthcare facilities, the paper proposes adherence to Root Cause Analysis. The model helps in the identification of adverse events that helps work on preventive measures. As such, the artifact further enhances the understanding of the definition of safety by enabling the identification of adverse events. In this case, health practitioners can prevent errors that are likely to cause harm to patients. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement proposes analyzing potential causes of adverse incidents, which range from environmental to clinical management factors. For instance, failing to provide appropriate nutrition emphasizing on enteral nutrition among surgical patients may lead to complications (Mitchell, 2008). Identifying such potential errors, however, reduces the risks of harm.
Both artifacts reveal changes and developments to my definition of care and safety. For instance, the ‘Professional Roles and Values’ paper emphasized how I develop healthy relationships with patients under my care using compassion, communication, and interpersonal skills to facilitate the health care process. The approach helps to improve patient outcomes, and is facilitated through Peplau’s theory of Interpersonal Relations and my role as a manager of a healing environment. Also, in the ‘Root Cause Analysis’ paper, I learned that to effectively implement the RCA, there was a need to involve changing workers’ feelings, thoughts, and/or behaviors. Through the use of personal traits to improve outcomes, I realize that safety and care goes beyond the expectations of nursing boards, associations, and acts. As such, the appreciation of quality and safety should evolve beyond the narrow confines of patient care such as avoiding medication errors (Mitchel, 2008). Care and safety should involve interpersonal skills and effective communication.
References
Mitchell, P. H. (2008). Defining patient safety and quality care. In Patient safety and quality: An
evidence-based handbook for nurses . Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US).
