There are a few sacred cows in the world of quality improvement – as there are in any sector. This episode takes a closer look at some of those cows – to reveal they aren’t so sacred after all.
1. QUALITY QUANDARY
Our QQ for this episode reminds us that accepted norms and truths may sometimes be hindering, rather than helping, our efforts. That includes Zero Harm – which may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
Thomas EJ. Editorial: ‘The harms of promoting ‘Zero Harm. BMJ Qual Saf 2019;0:1–3. doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2019-009703 1 (starting at 10:00 minutes)
Amalberti R, Vincent, C. Managing risk in hazardous conditions: improvisation is not enough. BMJ Qual Saf2020;29:60–3.doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2019-009443
2. THE POINT (time 21:50)
Do patients want to share information about themselves to build better rapport with clinicians? Yes – and No.
Donald L Zimmerman, Dong-Jun Min, Angela Davis-Collins, Peter DeBlieux.Treating Patients As People: What Do Hospital Patients Want Clinicians to Know About Them As a Person? Journal of Patient Experience Volume 7, Issue 2, April 2020, Pages 270-274. https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373519826244
3. TLDR (time 28:50)
Did it work? How can you find out if your QI efforts and doing what you hope they’re doing? Evaluate them of course! Look no further than The Health Foundation ‘Quick Guide’…..
The Health Foundation. Evaluation: what to consider. Commonly asked questions about how to approach evaluation of quality improvement in health care. The Health Foundation, London, March, 2015.March 2015. https://www.health.org.uk/publications/evaluation-what-to-consider
4. DRDR (time 36:00)
This Did Read Do Read reminds us that ‘work as imagined’ is not always ‘work as really done.’ Our quality improvement strategies erode with time – but this article reinforces some implementation tips for resisting erosion.
Robert G, et al. Exploring the sustainability of quality improvement interventions in healthcare organisations: a multiple methods study of the 10- year impact of the ‘Productive Ward: Releasing Time to Care’ programme’ in English acute hospitals. BMJ Qual Saf 2019;0:1–10. doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2019-009457 1
5. QUALITY HACK (time 42:10)
Jones hacks away at our tendency to focus on time, rather than energy: great tips for keeping yourself energised in a pandemic!
https://hbr.org/2007/10/manage-your-energy-not-your-time
6. OTHER BITS:
- We mention in our intro that the Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in Healthcare is celebrating 10 years of “On the Radar” – your weekly summary of the latest hot articles & topics. Thank you to Dr Niall Johnson who compiles this invaluable resource! Subscribe here: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/newsletters/radar
- New online course from Balding: ‘The Quality System Roadmap.’ This is my step by step map to creating a quality system that creates great care. More info and Access here:
https://qualityclass.kartra.com/page/QSRsignup
- CPD hours – would you like to earn 1 CPD hour for every time you listen to our podcast? If so, let Jones know we can investigate producing a product for this: cathyjoneshealth@gmail.com
- Talk to Us:
- Leave a question on our website: www.noharmdonepodcast.com
- Twitter handles : @qualcat @CathyBalding
- Link In with us on LinkedIn.