The Continuous Improvement Approach to Healthcare

The quality manager at the local healthcare facility stated that the institution has adopted a Continuous Quality Improvement approach when it comes to quality. The manager stated that before they adopted the method their employees were most of the time in low spirits. However, after the implementation of the CQI, a rise in the staff morale has been observed. This consequently, has led to better service delivery since the employees do not feel burdened with the problems as this systems concentrates on faults in the process, not the people. It happened like a ripple effect the good morale has also led to productivity. She also stated that the recruitment cost has gone down after CQI. This is because turnover has reduced. Another key gain I got from the quality manager is the massive reduction in mistakes that occurred after they started using CQI. Mistakes in the healthcare involve faulty products and errors in the delivery of services. These mistakes can cost a business but locating the problem early enough saves a lot of problems that may otherwise arise in the future. Lastly, I realized that this quality improvement approach has enabled them to be flexible and be able to adapt to changes in the market unlike before. 

This process relates to the text information whereby the reduction in mistake can be attributed to the lean principles. Mistakes are reduced in the process since an activity, is first of all, screened its value before being carried out. The focus on the process also shifts blame from people to the process increasing productivity. The lean principles help reduce rigidity hence promoting high adaptability of businesses that use them. The key takeaway from this interview is that the definition of value in all processes is vital as it helps do things right the first time. This information can be applied in the workplace by helping in the identification of problems in the process. This will ensure a solution will be arrived at early enough. 

Reference 

Health Information Technology Research Center (HITRC). (2013). Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Strategies to Optimize your Practice. The National Learning Consortium (NLC).