CHAP Quality Improvement & Risk Management Flashcards

Which quality improvement model uses a four-step cycle of Plan, Do, Study, Act to continuously improve processes?

Answer: PDSA cycle

The PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle is a widely used quality improvement framework that involves planning a change, testing it, studying the results, and acting based on what was learned.

What is the purpose of a 'sentinel event' review in healthcare quality management?

Answer: To conduct an in-depth root cause analysis of a serious unexpected adverse event

A sentinel event review involves a thorough root cause analysis of a serious, unexpected event (such as patient death or serious injury) to identify causes and implement prevention strategies.

In risk management, what is an 'incident report' (occurrence report)?

Answer: A documentation tool used to report unexpected events, errors, or near misses in healthcare

An incident report documents unexpected events, errors, accidents, or near misses in healthcare settings, providing data used to identify patterns and prevent future occurrences.

What does 'benchmarking' mean in the context of healthcare quality improvement?

Answer: Comparing an organization's performance metrics to those of leading organizations or industry standards

Benchmarking involves comparing an organization's performance data, processes, and practices against recognized leaders or industry standards to identify improvement opportunities.

Which accreditation organization evaluates hospitals and healthcare organizations in the US through a voluntary accreditation program?

Answer: The Joint Commission (TJC)

The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the US, setting performance standards to improve patient care.

What is the primary goal of 'Lean' methodology when applied to healthcare processes?

Answer: Eliminating waste and improving the efficiency of patient care processes

Lean methodology focuses on eliminating waste (non-value-added activities) in healthcare processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care quality.