By working together collaboratively in a committee process or with study initiatives , professionals in infection prevention , pharmacy , supply management , specialists in vascular access and administration can identify areas of procedural variability , create standard work for integrating guidelines and evidence , develop plans for increasing education and communication of the standard work , and periodically evaluate the results of each action to verify the quality .
• monitoring of performance and competence , ensures a higher level of quality in any facility . In her 2021 publication , DeVries noted that data collection and outcome measures for vascular access procedures are recommended to achieve the level of quality performance that reflects a commitment to patient safety . The provision of education and training should be followed by a combination of strategies to verify performance and compliance with procedures .
As recommended by DeVries , some strategies include collaborative observation and bedside rounding , staff and patient interviews , chart review , and data mining that leverages electronic medical record reports . Analysis and application of data should motivate change to improve performance . Education about results provides a basis for communication and motivation for change .
By working together collaboratively in a committee process or with study initiatives , professionals in infection prevention , pharmacy , supply management , specialists in vascular access and administration can identify areas of procedural variability , create standard work for integrating guidelines and evidence , develop plans for increasing education and communication of the standard work , and periodically evaluate the results of each action to verify the quality .
As providers strive to improve the patient experience and provide value-based care , standardized procedural steps and order sets can provide a means to ensure a patient-centric approach to consistent and efficient care . In a whitepaper recently released by iPro , standardization was addressed with an emphasis on standardized order sets . They also noted that the Institute for Safe Medical Practices encourages standard order sets to improve care by integrating and coordinating multidisciplinary care , reduce errors , and apply evidence-based practices .
As quality in the provision of treatment and services increases , so , too , is patient satisfaction elevated . Standardization can not only improve the patient experience but also support positive word-of-mouth marketing , improve staff satisfaction minimizing clinical workload , and enhance efficiency that reduces waste .
When standardization in practice is established and treatment consistency becomes the norm , costs go down , all based on taking fewer unnecessary actions , using less supplies , saving time , and avoiding complications .
In conclusion , the benefits associated with application of standardization to procedures , processes , education , training , and order sets include improved clarity that minimizes guesswork , optimizes work leading to higher quality results , enhances productivity resulting from greater staff understanding , and improves patient and staff experiences , based on consistency and the knowledge that services are provided in the best way possible .
Working together to establish standardization in products , education , and training , through the application of specialized teams for higher-risk procedures and establishing committees to identify gaps in practice and procedures that need a defined set of steps , including application of guidelines , all are examples of actions that increase quality and , as a result , improve patient outcomes to drive down healthcare cost .
Consider standardization of procedures as a means to secure safety , quality and savings within your healthcare services .
Nancy Moureau , RN , PhD , CRNI , CPUI , VA-BC , is the chief executive officer at PICC Excellence , Inc ., a research member of the Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research ( AVATAR ) Group , and an adjunct associate professor at Griffith University in Brisbane , Australia .
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