Capella 4000 Assessment 4
Capella 4000 Assessment 4 Analyzing a Current Health Care Issue Student Name Capella University NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective Prof. Name Date Introduction Hospitals worldwide confront various problems related to patients’ safety and quality improvement. These problems are concerning because they negatively harm patients’ lives as well as impair hospitals’ reputations. Hence these issues require constant efforts to address them and overcome the challenges that they pose to the healthcare system. These problems include but are not limited to medication errors, patient falls, hospital-acquired infections, delayed treatment, and shortage of staffing. This scholarly paper covers the topic of medication errors as this is the most commonly found problem in the healthcare setting which requires constant interventions to improve health practices and ensure quality care is provided. Medication Errors – An Important Healthcare Issue According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medication errors are described as preventable adverse incidents that are related to or involve medication (Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 2019). These errors can happen to professionals as well as patients or their families. Since this paper highlights the issue at a healthcare organization, the focus remains specifically on medication errors performed by healthcare workers. There are several studies conducted to analyze the worldwide data related to medication errors and their incidences. A study mentioned that approximately 237 million cases of drug-related errors have been recorded in England per year (Elliott et al., 2021). Another study conducted on the prevalence of medication errors showed a significant percentage of 30.5% of medication errors found in study participants. Furthermore, the types of errors were calculated that revealed 46.9% of errors were due to administering drugs at the wrong time. Non-approved drugs, omission error, and dose error were 25.4%, 18.5%, and 9.2% respectively (Shitu et al., 2020). Capella 4000 Assessment 4 Medication errors not only cause health complications for the patients but can also lead to increased mortality rate and imposes a burden on the economy. The US Institute of Medicine stated that medical errors are the leading cause of approximately 44,000 to 98,000 deaths in the USA (Zirpe et al., 2020). Shitu and colleagues (2020) further state in their study that for 1.5 million people affected by medication errors, nearly $3.5 billion is the additional cost associated with the treatment annually which puts an economic burden of $42 billion on global healthcare systems (Shitu et al., 2020). The information provided above helps to explicitly explain the presence of these drug-related errors in the healthcare systems worldwide, thus advocating the importance of immediately addressing the problem. Furthermore, these articles provide insight into implementing various quality improvement strategies to eradicate this concern from the hospitals so that patients’ health is preserved as well as the economic burden is alleviated. Analyze the Problem – Medication Errors Since medication error is a widespread problem in the healthcare system which poses challenges for the healthcare professionals as well as the hospital administration, it is essential to completely understand the problem, analyze the associated root causes, identify the group of people involved, and highlight the significant impacts of the problem so that effective strategies can be developed after comprehensive understanding. Definition of Medication Error The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention defines medication errors are those avoidable events that lead to incorrect use of medication by doctors, nurses, or pharmacists which eventually causes harm to the patient’s health and life (Zirpe et al., 2020). Root Causes of Medication Errors Certain factors that lead to these errors are poor healthcare practices (improper prescribing, inappropriate preparation of the drugs, mistakes while dispensing, and incorrect administration), poor quality of drug products, systematic errors (errors in electronic systems of medication prescription and administration), ineffective communication, undesirable distractions and lack of education (Izadpanah et al., 2018; Tabatabaee et al., 2022). Another study by Manias and colleagues (2021) presents specific categories of factors that lead to medication errors. Some of these categories are personal factors which include healthcare workers’ incomplete knowledge about the medications, burnout, and fatigue due to excessive workload which is another environmental trigger. Moreover, some communication factors like incomplete handover, verbal orders which are inappropriately comprehended and unimportant conversations during the medication process (Manias et al., 2021). People Involved in Medication Errors Medication errors in healthcare organizations are committed by either doctors, pharmacists, or nurses. This group of people is mainly involved in the medication process and thus every individual member from these professions is trained according to their roles. Physicians/Doctors Physicians are the primarily responsible group of people who are involved in medication prescribing errors. A study based in a tertiary hospital in the US revealed that almost 54% of medication errors happen at the prescribing stage (Anzan et al., 2021). Another study conducted in Tehran teaching hospitals concluded that out of 50.5% of medication errors, 22.6% are due to mistakes from prescribers (Izadpanah et al., 2018). Pharmacists The prevalence of medication dispensing errors by pharmacies in the US and the UK ranges from 0.04 % to a maximum of 24% (Chand et al., 2022). Dispensing is one of the important stages of the medication process and should be done vigilantly. Nurses The medication process ends with the administration which is a major responsibility of the nurses. Research identifies that 68% of these errors are identified at the administration stage (Mulac et al., 2021). The type of errors that nurses may commit is administering the drug to the wrong patient, wrong dose, incorrect time, use of routes that are not applicable, and may not properly document (Wondmieneh et al., 2020). Since healthcare professionals are mainly involved in committing medication errors due to poor practices and lack of training, the administration in the hospital must find effective solutions to address the issue. Potential Solutions for Medication Errors Addressing medication error issues in a hospital is significant as if these errors are ignored, the potential consequences will be negative impacts on patients’ health (aggravation of the health conditions), increased readmission rates in the hospital
Capella 4000 Assessment 3
Capella 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles Student Name Capella University NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective Prof. Name Date Applying Ethical Principles Case Study The analysis focuses on “The Missing Needle Protector.” Within this study, E. L. Straight, serving as the director of clinical services at Hopewell Hospital, becomes aware of a potential lapse during a surgical procedure. Dr. Cutrite, a surgeon whose skills have waned over the years, may have unintentionally left a plastic needle protector inside a patient named Mrs. Jameson. Despite being aware, Dr. Cutrite opts against informing the patient, assuming the item will cause no harm. The central ethical dilemma is whether the hospital should prioritize patient safety by informing Mrs. Jameson and possibly recommending another surgery or keep silent, adhering to Dr. Cutrite’s stance and safeguarding the hospital’s reputation. Those directly embroiled in this ethical quandary include Mrs. Jameson, Dr. Cutrite, E. L. Straight, the operating room supervisor, and the scrub nurse, with the broader reputation of Hopewell Hospital also at stake (Capella University, 2023). Analysis of Contributing Factors Some of the contributing factors for the case mentioned above study leading to the ethical dilemma are: Effectiveness of Communication Approaches Several effective and ineffective communication approaches emerge in the case study. E. L. Straight, the director of clinical services, exemplifies commendable communication skills. He swiftly acknowledges the potential issue and seeks the chief of surgery’s expertise, indicating a proactive and collaborative communication approach. Such open and immediate discussions, especially in critical situations, pave the way for effective problem-solving. However, on the other side of the spectrum is Dr. Cutrite’s approach. His outright refusal to address a probable medical oversight and his instruction to the staff to remain silent hinder open communication. This suppression risks patient safety and creates an environment where concerns cannot be freely expressed or addressed. Furthermore, the postoperative process’s delay in identifying the oversight reveals an absence of robust communication mechanisms to ensure immediate discrepancies are flagged and discussed. For effective patient care and trust-building, healthcare professionals should adopt proactive communication, promptly disclosing medical errors to patients and fostering a culture where intra-departmental discussions happen promptly and transparently. Such practices expedite problem resolution and strengthen trust among colleagues and patients. In contrast, avoid communication approaches that silence concerns or downplay potential risks. The consequences of such ineffective communication can be grave: patient safety can be jeopardized, legal liabilities can increase, and patient’s trust in the healthcare institution can diminish drastically. Effective communication, on the other hand, upholds patient trust, reduces legal risks, and promotes an accountable and transparent work culture (Berry et al., 2020). Effectiveness of the Ethical Decision-Making Approach The “The Missing Needle Protector” case study highlights a crucial ethical challenge faced by healthcare professionals, analyzed effectively through the lens of the Ethical Decision-Making Model. In this model, the concept of moral awareness is fundamental. E. L. Straight, by recognizing the potential harm that might arise due to the oversight, manifests this awareness. It is the realization that potentially leaving a needle protector inside a patient, Mrs. Jameson, has significant ethical consequences, propelling the professional to contemplate subsequent actions. Next, the model touches upon moral judgment. This is the phase of deliberation, weighing potential actions against ethical standards. Straight grapples with a complex choice: Should he prioritize the hospital’s reputation and potential legal ramifications by staying silent, as suggested by Dr. Cutrite? Or should he uphold the core tenet of medical ethics, ensuring the patient’s well-being by informing Mrs. Jameson about the oversight? From the narrative, it is discerned that Straight leans towards the latter, emphasizing patient safety. However, the absence of a conclusive action in the case study leaves this judgment open-ended. The final aspect of the model, ethical behavior, emphasizes executing the morally appropriate decision. Ideally, based on the case’s information, the highest ethical action would be to transparently communicate with Mrs. Jameson, placing her well-being above all. However, the narrative needs a resolution, leaving an ambiguity regarding the action finally undertaken Capella University (n.d). Capella 4000 Assessment 3 Now, reflecting on the consequences of adhering to this model, effective ethical approaches, like transparent communication and prioritizing patient welfare, could lead to strengthened patient trust, minimized legal implications, and enhanced institutional reputation. On the contrary, ineffective approaches, like neglecting oversight or suppressing communication, may erode patient trust, amplify legal vulnerabilities, and damage reputations (Kim & Park, 2019). E. L. Straight’s pondering highlights his underlying dedication to patient welfare. However, his hesitancy, potentially influenced by Dr. Cutrite’s stance, exemplifies the complexities healthcare professionals often navigate: striking a balance between unwavering ethical commitments and intricate workplace dynamics. This case serves as a potent reminder of the importance of rigorous protocols in medical procedures (Sakakushev, 2023). It underscores the unwavering responsibility healthcare practitioners bear, advocating for transparent communication, especially when faced with potential organizational or personal repercussions. The case becomes a beacon, shedding light on the intricate power dynamics in healthcare and amplifying the call for moral resilience and unwavering dedication to patient welfare. Application of Ethical Principles to the Case Study Addressing the situation in “The Missing Needle Protector” requires adherence to healthcare’s foundational ethical principles. The cornerstone of these principles is the duty of beneficence, which mandates actions that promote the well-being of patients (Shawahna, 2020). Another guiding principle is the principle of autonomy, which upholds the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their care. Given these, the ethical solution is clear: Hopewell Hospital should promptly and transparently inform Mrs. Jameson about potential oversights. This only reflects her autonomy by giving her the necessary information to decide on her health but also aligns with the principle of beneficence by ensuring her well-being. Any subsequent action, like offering a corrective procedure, should be based on a comprehensive medical evaluation. Approaching the situation with transparency and accountability has broader implications beyond the immediate issue. Firstly, it sends a clear message to colleagues across all disciplines about the institution’s unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, strengthening intra-organizational trust. When one
Capella 4000 Assessment 2
Capella 4000 Assessment 2 Applying Research Skills Student Name Capella University NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective Prof. Name Date Applying Research Skills Healthcare systems globally face numerous challenges, stemming from various impediments that necessitate resolution to avert adverse health outcomes. Limited accessibility serves as a significant barrier to healthcare, and addressing this issue aligns with the goal of ensuring every individual has adequate access to quality healthcare. Collaboration between healthcare providers, governmental bodies, and policymakers is crucial for achieving positive outcomes in this regard. Visiting low-economic communities during my professional journey highlighted the absence of primary care facilities, insufficient qualified medical personnel, and the resulting vulnerability of residents to adverse health consequences. Applying Peer-Reviewed Articles to Limited Healthcare Access Health is integral to a comprehensive social and economic life, requiring essential healthcare access. The World Health Organization recognizes healthcare as a fundamental human right, emphasizing the need for universal access to quality healthcare. Inadequate healthcare access, influenced by factors such as geographical location, provider unavailability, commuting challenges, and lack of awareness, leads to poor health outcomes, increased morbidity, mortality rates, and financial burdens. Approximately 400 million people globally lack adequate healthcare access, with around 8 million facing mortality due to untreated diseases, imposing a substantial economic burden, particularly in developing countries. The inclusion of peer-reviewed articles in this analysis is based on their explicit exploration of the topic, providing a contemporary understanding of limited healthcare access. The articles emphasize the identification of barriers, aiding in the development of effective strategies for ensuring quality healthcare for all. Assessing Credibility and Relevance of Resources To determine the credibility and relevance of resources, the CRAAP test is employed. Developed to ensure the use of authentic and credible sources in healthcare issue descriptions, the CRAAP test evaluates Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Articles included in the annotated bibliography underwent scrutiny based on these criteria, with a focus on relevance. The selected resources align with the purpose of addressing limited healthcare access, contributing valuable insights to the development of effective strategies. Annotated Bibliography Learnings from this Assessment This assessment underscores the importance of evidence-based research in addressing healthcare issues, the necessity of resource credibility evaluation, and the valuable insights gained through studying various articles on limited healthcare access. The annotated bibliography aids in developing evidence-based interventions for improved healthcare delivery and access, promoting positive health outcomes. References Dawkins, B., Renwick, C., Ensor, T., Shinkins, B., Jayne, D., & Meads, D. (2021). What factors affect patients’ ability to access healthcare? An overview of systematic reviews. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 26(10), 1177–1188. [DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13651] Lewis, A. B. (2018). What does bad information look like? Using the CRAAP test for evaluating substandard resources. Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, (88). [DOI: 10.29173/istl1724] Zegeye, B., El-Khatib, Z., Ameyaw, E. K., Seidu, A.-A., Ahinkorah, B. O., Keetile, M., & Yaya, S. (2021). Breaking barriers to healthcare access: A multilevel analysis of individual- and community-level factors affecting women’s access to healthcare services in Benin. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 750. [DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020750] Capella 4000 Assessment 2
Capella 4000 Assessment 1
Capella 4000 Assessment 1: Academic Dishonesty Student Name Capella University NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective Prof. Name Date Academic Integrity Pledge I hereby solemnly affirm that all coursework completed for this course, as well as any other courses, will be exclusively and entirely of my own creation. I declare that I will function as the sole author of my work, ensuring that the language, sentences, and paragraphs presented are products of my own intellect, unless explicitly indicated through direct quotation, paraphrasing, or summarization of the work of another individual. It is explicitly acknowledged that using any segment of a peer’s discussion post without appropriate citation constitutes plagiarism. I understand that duplicating a peer’s discussion post as a model and making minimal modifications to the wording also qualifies as plagiarism. I pledge to promptly inform my instructor if another learner misrepresents my work or the work of others. I acknowledge the shared responsibility we all bear in upholding the integrity of the Capella degree we are striving to achieve. When incorporating direct quotes, I will utilize quotation marks, provide contextual information, and format the quote in accordance with APA guidelines. This encompasses in-paragraph citations with page numbers and a comprehensive reference citation at the conclusion. In instances of paraphrasing or summarizing external sources, I will appropriately cite the material within the text and include a reference at the end of my work. I will use language distinct from the original source and modify the fundamental sentence structure. I commit to reviewing the following resources on academic honesty: – Academic Honesty & APA Style and Formatting.– University Policy 3.01.01: Academic Integrity and Honesty [PDF].– Maintaining Academic Honesty.– Avoiding Plagiarism. Capella 4000 Assessment 1 I am mindful that any use of another person’s work inconsistent with the aforementioned statements constitutes plagiarism—a serious violation of academic integrity according to Capella University’s policies. In the event that an instructor discovers an act of academic dishonesty, I acknowledge that the instructor will: 1. Directly contact me regarding the alleged act of academic dishonesty.2. Provide an opportunity for me to respond and demonstrate the absence of plagiarism.3. Impose sanctions, potentially including zero points for the unit, a failing final grade, etc.4. Officially report the academic honesty violation to Capella in accordance with the university’s academic policies. If any questions arise regarding this pledge, I will seek clarification from my instructor before appending my full name below. By entering my full name, I affirm my understanding and commitment to adhere to all the aforementioned rules, aligning with Capella University’s academic policies, from this day forward. Capella 4000 Assessment 1