Quality Assurance & Improvement Flashcards
7 cards from real CRE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Quality Assurance & Improvement flashcards as text
Which element is essential when writing a measurable QI objective for a respiratory education program?
Answer: A specific, time-bound, and quantifiable target
Measurable QI objectives must be specific, time-bound, and quantifiable so that achievement can be objectively assessed.
A respiratory educator wants to assess whether a new COPD education module improved patient self-management. Which study design provides the strongest evidence?
Answer: Randomized controlled trial
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the gold standard for determining causal relationships between an intervention and its outcomes.
When a control chart shows eight consecutive data points on the same side of the centerline, this is called:
Answer: A run, indicating a special cause
Eight or more consecutive points on one side of the centerline is a 'run rule' violation, signaling a special cause that warrants investigation.
In Donabedian's quality framework, which component encompasses policies, staffing ratios, and equipment availability in a respiratory education department?
Answer: Structure
Structure refers to the conditions under which care is provided, including physical resources, organizational characteristics, and staff qualifications.
A respiratory educator collects pre- and post-test scores from 30 patients. Which statistical test is MOST appropriate to determine if education significantly improved knowledge scores?
Answer: Paired samples t-test
A paired samples t-test compares means from the same group measured at two time points, making it ideal for pre/post education assessments.
Which accreditation body specifically evaluates respiratory therapy education programs for clinical and didactic quality standards in the United States?
Answer: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
CoARC is the accrediting body for respiratory therapy education programs in the U.S., setting standards for curriculum, clinical training, and outcomes.
A 'near miss' event in a respiratory education setting should be:
Answer: Reported and analyzed to prevent future errors
Near misses provide valuable learning opportunities to identify system vulnerabilities before actual harm occurs and should always be reported and analyzed.