Category: NHS-FPX6004

NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 3 Training Session for Policy Implementation Name Capella university NHS-FPX 6004 Health Care Law and Policy Prof. Name Date Training Session for Policy Implementation  Hello everyone. My name is _______, and I welcome you to today’s training session on implementing proposed policy and practice guidelines within the Mercy Medical Center (MMC). This session was mainly developed for nurses, as they are one of the group members responsible for executing the proposal for diabetes screening.  Session Objectives  The objectives for today’s session are:  Discuss the results of MMC’s performance dashboard evaluation against established benchmarks.  Summarize the proposed policy and practice guidelines to improve underperformance in one of the benchmark metrics.  Review evidence-based strategies for working with nurses to acquire their buy-in, ensuring seamless implementation.  Elaborate the impact of new policy and practice guidelines on nurses’ work routines and duties.  Describe how the policy and practice recommendations will enhance the quality of care and patient outcomes.  Discuss nurses’ importance in implementing the proposal.  Determine appropriate resources and content for training sessions.  Conclude the training session.  Evaluation Results and the Proposal   This training session is based on an evaluation performed using dashboard data from MMC. The evaluation results reveal significant shortfalls in diabetes care metrics (eye exams, foot exams, and HgbA1c). However, we selected examinations due to substantial underperformance and the most significant potential to improve patient outcomes. MMC’s foot examination rates were 40.85% in 2019 and 41.7% in 2020, falling below the benchmark established by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which is 78.8% with at least one comprehensive foot examination in a year (AHRQ, n.d.). This underperformance highlights a critical area of improvement, as comprehensive foot exams are essential for early detection and prevention of severe complications in diabetic patients, enhancing patient outcomes and improving organizational performance.  Policy and Practice Guidelines  MMC is dedicated to delivering high-quality diabetic care, adhering to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations. The proposed policy mandates annual comprehensive foot examinations and risk factor screenings at each patient visit to meet AHRQ benchmarks and improve patient outcomes. To execute this policy, several stakeholder groups are essential. These include physicians, nurses, administrators, quality improvement teams, and patient advocacy groups. While physicians will perform detailed foot exams, assessing for skin changes, ulcers, infections, and neuropathy, and documenting findings for follow-up, nurses will play a crucial role by assisting with exams, educating patients on proper foot care, and emphasizing regular self-examinations to prevent complications. Administrators will ensure adequate resources and training, while quality improvement teams will review performance and enhance compliance. Patient advocates must educate the community, support policies, and advocate for comprehensive care. Evidence-based Strategies to Work with Nurses While all stakeholder groups are crucial for their diverse expertise and holistic application of the proposal, nurses, as frontline workers, are especially vital in implementing the policy and practice guidelines at the forefront. Thus, we present some evidence-based strategies to work with the responsible role group, engaging their participation and creating buy-in for the proposal.  Nurse Engagement in Policy Development: Engage nurses early in policy development by involving them in planning and decision-making. This can be achieved through focus groups, surveys, and representation on policy committees (Inayat et al., 2023). By soliciting their input and addressing their concerns, nurses will feel valued and offer their interest in the proposal. This approach ensures the policy is patient-centered and tailored to real-world frontline situations, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.  Training Programs: Implement comprehensive training programs that equip nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to execute the new policy and practice guidelines. These programs should include hands-on workshops, simulations, and continuous education credits on the importance of thorough foot examinations and provide clear protocols and checklists (Leonard, 2024). By ensuring nurses are well-prepared, the transition to new guidelines will be smoother, fostering better patient outcomes and higher quality care. Ongoing Support and Feedback: Provide ongoing support and establish feedback mechanisms to address challenges nurses face in implementing the new policy. This can include regular check-ins, mentorship programs, and access to resources such as updated protocols and educational materials. Encouraging open communication and creating a supportive environment helps nurses feel supported and reduces resistance to change. Evidence suggests that continuous support and the ability to provide feedback improve job satisfaction, adherence to new policies, and performance (Zhang & Li, 2023). This strategy will ensure nurses remain engaged and committed to delivering high-quality care. NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 3 Training Session for Policy Implementation Early indications of success can be measured by monitoring several key metrics. These include increased compliance with foot examination protocols, as evidenced by higher documentation rates in patient records (Cooksey, 2020). Other indicators include patient outcomes, such as a reduction in foot-related complications and hospitalizations. Moreover, feedback from nurses through surveys and focus groups is a success measure, reflecting improved confidence and satisfaction with the new guidelines. Additionally, audit results showing adherence to standardized protocols and positive changes in patient education practices regarding foot care can provide early evidence of successful implementation. These metrics collectively signal progress and the effectiveness of the new policy. Implementation Process and Impact of Proposal By standardizing foot examinations, the policy and practice guidelines aim to improve early detection and management of foot-related complications, such as ulcers, infections, amputations, and death (Kuguyo et al., 2024). When adequately followed, these recommendations will enhance patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of severe complications and hospitalizations. Furthermore, this proposal will ensure MMC’s adherence to AHRQ benchmarks, improving compliance with regulatory standards, better performance ratings, and funding opportunities for the organization.  The implementation will begin with training programs for all nursing staff to ensure they understand the new guidelines and protocols. Then, we will introduce standardized checklists and documentation tools to facilitate consistent foot examinations (Leonard, 2024). We will conduct regular meetings and feedback sessions to address issues and gather input from nurses. Pilot programs in selected departments will allow for refining the process before a full-scale rollout, ensuring smooth implementation

NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2 Policy Proposal Name Capella university NHS-FPX 6004 Health Care Law and Policy Prof. Name Date Policy Proposal Based on our evaluation of the performance dashboard from Mercy Medical Center (MMC) on diabetes tests against the state-level benchmarks set forth by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), it was concluded that MMC is short falling all the critical diabetes tests, including eye examination, feet examination, and HBA1c tests. However, the significant underperformed metric is the feet examination. This paper proposes policy and practice guidelines for MMC to address this underperforming benchmark to enhance patient safety, quality of care, and organizational performance.  Importance of Policy and Practice Guidelines Policy and practice guidelines are crucial in MMC in addressing underperformance in foot examinations. These policies and practice guidelines set standards for quality of care, establishing accountability among healthcare providers. According to AHRQ, the current state-level benchmark is 78.8% for feet examination among diabetic adults; however, MMC’s performance falls significantly lower at 41% in 2019 and 42% in 2020, indicating a substantial underperformance (AHRQ, n.d.).  This benchmark underperformance substantially impacts the quality of care and organizational operations. Inadequate foot examinations are directly related to an increased risk of diabetic foot complications, which include foot ulcers, infections, and amputation (Stancu et al., 2022). These poor consequences compromise the quality of care and negatively impact patient outcomes. Failure to meet benchmark targets may also decrease patient satisfaction and trust in the organization’s ability to deliver comprehensive diabetes care. This can lead to patient attrition and reputational damage, resulting in poor organizational performance (Greene & Samuel-Jakubos, 2021). Finally, the shortfall results in strained resources and inefficient workflows, as healthcare providers, especially nurses, may need to allocate additional time and resources to address patients’ needs related to foot complications, potentially compromising organizational efficiency and quality of services.  Failure to make practice amendments may lead to suboptimal patient outcomes and increased healthcare costs due to preventable complications and hospitalizations (Kansra & Oberoi, 2023). Moreover, continued underperformance will erode patient trust and satisfaction, resulting in MMC’s inability to retain patients, attract new referrals, and maintain competitiveness in the healthcare market (Greene & Samuel-Jakubos, 2021). Additionally, MMC may encounter several regulatory penalties and loss of accreditation, damaging the organization’s reputation, financial unsustainability, and compromised quality of care. Thus, implementing policy and practice guidelines is imperative for organizational stakeholders.  Policies and Practice Guidelines for Mercy Medical Center As part of the organization’s commitment to deliver high-quality care to diabetic patients, MMC should introduce a comprehensive policy and practice guidelines to improve foot examination rates. This proposal aligns with the benchmarks set by AHRQ and practice recommendations by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The proposed policy and practice standards aim to address the current shortfall observed in MMC’s performance. Proposed Policy The proposed policy mandates that all diabetic patients receive foot examinations and a yearly comprehensive exam during each hospital visit. Patients with poorly managed diabetes and high blood pressure should get their feet checked every 3-6 months (AHRQ, n.d.; CDC, 2022).  Practice Guidelines Several practice guidelines for foot examination are developed for nurses and nurse practitioners. According to evidence by the ADA, nurses should include five standards in their practices to ensure diabetic patients receive adequate foot assessments and care. These guidelines include comprehensive assessment, regular screening, patient education, collaborative care, and accurate documentation (Leonard, 2024).  Nurses should conduct thorough foot examinations for diabetic patients at every healthcare visit. This assessment should include an evaluation of skin integrity, sensation, vascular status, and identification of deformities or abnormalities. They should provide regular screening using standardized protocols to ensure timely detection of foot complications, particularly for high-risk patients. Nurses should educate patients on foot care, emphasizing the importance of daily foot inspections, appropriate footwear, and early identification and reporting of abnormal signs.  They should collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals, to facilitate holistic management of diabetic foot care. Lastly, it is essential for nurses to accurately document findings from foot examinations in patients’ medical records, including assessments, interventions, and patient education.  Environmental Factors Nevertheless, environmental factors, such as regulatory considerations and resource allocation, may impact these policy and practice guidelines. Accreditation standards set forth by accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) require healthcare organizations to implement evidence-based practices for patient care (Ibrahim et al., 2022). Failure to meet these standards may result in loss of accreditation, which could have significant implications for reimbursement and organizational reputation. This underscores the importance of aligning practice guidelines with regulatory requirements. Similarly, staffing levels, financial resources, and logistical considerations influence practice guidelines. Insufficiencies of these factors may lead to reduced frequency of foot tests and suboptimal care, impeding timely care for foot complications. Therefore, addressing resource constraints is essential to effectively implement practice guidelines and optimize patient care outcomes (Kansra & Oberoi, 2023).  Ethical and Evidence-Based Practice Strategies The evidence-based strategies to mitigate the challenge of underperforming foot examination benchmarks are patient education and empowerment, streamlined appointment scheduling, and interdisciplinary training for providers. According to Shukla et al. (2020), educating patients about the importance of regular foot examinations, appropriate self-management techniques, and early detection of complications empowers patients to participate actively in their health management. This strategy aligns with the ethical principles of autonomy and informed decision-making and can be made culturally inclusive by tailoring educational materials according to patients’ literacy levels, language preferences, and cultural backgrounds (Spinner et al., 2021).  Another evidence-based strategy is streamlined appointment scheduling to improve performance in foot examinations among diabetic patients. Nurses can optimize appointment scheduling processes to ensure timely access to foot examinations, reducing wait times and minimizing barriers to care (Stancu et al., 2022). To ensure ethical and culturally inclusive application, appointment scheduling systems should accommodate patients’ diverse needs, preferences, and constraints. Moreover, it should promote justice by providing equitable access to all individuals, reducing health disparities due to geographical and socioeconomic barriers.  These strategies will enhance

NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation Name Capella university NHS-FPX 6004 Health Care Law and Policy Prof. Name Date Dashboard Metrics Evaluation  Mercy Medical Center (MMC) is a well-established and renowned healthcare facility in Shakopee City,  Minnesota. This healthcare organization continuously strives to maintain its excellence in healthcare delivery. However, some underperformance related to diabetes screening tests has been observed within the facility. This paper evaluates the hospital’s dashboard metrics, identifying shortfalls against benchmarks. Moreover, this paper analyzes the consequences of poor performance, elaborating evidence-based actions to address the underperforming benchmarks.   Evaluation of Dashboard Metrics Against Benchmarks  The dashboard fact sheet from MMC presents data on three diabetes tests: eye examination, foot examination, and HBA1c tests. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)’s state-level benchmarks for Minnesota, Vila Health organization is short falling all diabetes metrics. The evaluation of these metrics against benchmarks is as follows (AHRQ, n.d.): The 2021 benchmark for dilated eye examination among diabetic patients is 68.9%, whereas the baseline rate is 74.9%. However, the MMC data shows only 35.6% eye tests were conducted in 2019 and 41.4 % in 2020.  Similarly, the 2021 standard for feet examination among diabetic adults is 78.8%, compared to the baseline of 87.7%. The rate at MMC is substantially down, presenting 41% in 2019 and approximately 42% in 2020.   Finally, the benchmark states that diabetic adults should have at least two HBA1c tests within a year, with a standard of 70.7% in a healthcare facility. However, MMC only performed 37.4% and 48.5% tests in 2019 and 2020, respectively.  NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 1 Dashboard Metrics Evaluation It is concluded from the evaluation that there are significant shortfalls in Mercy Medical Center’s performance regarding diabetes care metrics. Despite this clear conclusion, several unknowns and missing information could enhance the analysis. Further information on contributing factors for this underperformance, such as patient demographics, provider capacity, systemic issues, and resource constraints, will expand the knowledge base, leading to improved analysis of the situation. Additionally, information on the organizational challenges impeding the implementation of interventions to improve diabetes care is crucial for devising effective strategies. Moreover, further exploration of patient outcomes and experiences alongside the metrics is required to provide a comprehensive understanding of MMC’s performance in diabetes management. Consequences of Benchmarks Underperformance As presented earlier, MMC is significantly short of meeting the diabetes benchmarks set forth by AHRQ. These poor performances profoundly impact the healthcare organization and interprofessional teams. Every healthcare organization’s overarching mission and vision, including MMC, is to provide high-quality care and improve patient outcomes (Bhati et al., 2023). Falling short of diabetes screening tests undermines the organization’s credibility and ability to fulfill its stated goals. Thus causing a decline in patients’ trust and damaging the organization’s reputation. Another vital aspect affected by organizational underperformance is resource allocation. Due to constant underperformance, diabetic care and management may require additional costs, disturbing the organization’s financial health (Kansra & Oberoi, 2023). Moreover, this consistent shortfall also hinders an organization’s ability to secure operational and capital funding, limiting investments in essential resources such as staff hiring, educational training, and technological advancements. Ultimately, leading to another concern of limited and optimally trained human resources.  Other challenges related to this underperformance include logistical barriers due to overutilization of healthcare services, disproportionate care to meet healthcare disparities, and deficiencies in staff skills, procedures, and processes. Thus, an organization must improve its performance to enhance efficiency and augment patient health outcomes. This analysis is based on the hypothesis that diabetes is a chronic health condition and requires immediate attention to alleviate its implications on the healthcare organization and patients. Moreover, it is presumed that the healthcare sector aims to prioritize quality care and meet performance metrics through adequate financial and human resources. These factors collectively shape the delivery of healthcare services, improving patient outcomes and organizational performance.  Evaluation of Feet Examination Benchmark  In Mercy Medical Center, the most significant underperformance lies in the metric of feet examination among diabetic adults. The benchmark for this examination is 78.8%, yet the organization’s rate stands substantially lower at 41% and 42% (AHRQ, n.d.). This underperformance has significant implications for the population. Insufficient foot examinations can lead to diabetic foot complications. Diabetic foot refers to a range of problems that can occur in people with diabetes due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation (vascular disease). The complications of this syndrome include foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations if left untreated (Stancu et al., 2022). Such consequences diminish individuals’ health and well-being and strain community resources. These encompass healthcare facilities and support services. Moreover, untreated diabetic foot complications can lead to prolonged hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs, burdening both patients and the broader community.  Thus, enhancing the rate of foot examination among diabetic adults can profoundly impact the quality of care and performance within MMC. The organization can employ several strategies, such as scheduling tests and patient education, to proactively identify early signs of foot problems, enabling timely interventions to prevent or mitigate complications (Stancu et al., 2022). This enhances patient outcomes and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to comprehensive diabetes care. Moreover, by addressing this benchmark shortfall, the organization showcases its dedication to evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence within the team.  Actions to Address the Underperformed Benchmark The appropriate group of stakeholders to improve foot examinations among diabetic adults are registered nurses. They are crucial in patient care as they are on the frontline, directly involved in conducting foot examinations (Hidalgo-Ruiz et al., 2023). By ensuring thorough foot examinations, they uphold the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, promoting patients’ health and preventing avoidable harm. Additionally, they are responsible for adhering to professional standards and guidelines, including those related to diabetes management and preventive care. Nurses can introduce several ethical and sustainable actions to improve feet examination metrics. These actions include patient education and engagement and streamlined appointment scheduling. Shukla et al. (2020) elaborates that nurses can empower patients about diabetes