NHSFPX 6004 Assessment 1
Dashboard Metrics Evaluation
Name
School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Capella University
NHS-FPX6004 Health Care Law and Policy
Instructor
Date
Dashboard Metrics Evaluation
In the era of evolving healthcare regulations and standards, it is imperative for organizations like Mercy Medical Center in Shakopee, MN, to adhere to prescribed benchmarks and guidelines set forth by local, state, and federal health care laws. As an esteemed healthcare provider, Mercy Medical Center (MMC) has garnered accolades for its commitment to high-quality care and patient satisfaction. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the organization's performance, particularly in the context of Minnesota state diabetes benchmarks, reveals notable areas of underperformance, specifically in diabetic foot exams. This assessment aims to analyze the consequences of this underperformance, identify potential challenges, and advocate for ethical and sustainable actions to improve the overall quality of care and patient outcomes within the community.
Evaluate Dashboard Metrics
To guarantee that people with diabetes get comprehensive and high-quality healthcare services, Minnesota has set guidelines for diabetes care. The assessment of MMC's performance for diabetic eye exams should take into account the following standards at the state level. In order to identify any possible diabetic retinopathy or other ocular issues, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that individuals with diabetes get a thorough eye exam at least once a year. MMC’s performance in this area is below the state average, according to the data currently available. This suggests that the recommended changes for diabetic eye care need to be followed more closely.
In order to identify any indications of neuropathy, foot ulcers, or other associated issues, diabetes patients should have frequent foot inspections, according to Minnesota state health standards. Patients should have these examinations done at least once a year. According to statistics from MMC, there may be a gap in the application of appropriate diabetic foot care procedures since the hospital's performance in performing diabetic foot examinations does not regularly match the state's criteria.
HgbA1c Tests: In order to monitor blood glucose levels and evaluate long-term diabetes care, the state of Minnesota advises diabetics to get frequent HgbA1c tests. The goal of the target HgbA1c levels is to provide the best possible disease management and to avoid complications from diabetes. MMC data indicates that the hospital's performance in performing HgbA1c tests varies and sometimes falls short of the state's suggested criteria. This shows that more regular and efficient monitoring of HgbA1c levels in diabetes patients is required. It is imperative that MMC comprehends these Minnesota state requirements in order to ensure that its operations comply with set standards and that its diabetic patient group receives the finest treatment possible. The hospital can have a major positive impact on the general health outcomes and quality of life for people with diabetes in the Shakopee community by following these criteria.
There is a need for a more thorough investigation of the underlying causes since the present assessment falls short in providing particular insights into the causes of the observed underperformance in the diabetes care parameters. Furthermore, a deeper comprehension of the socioeconomic and demographic makeup of the patient base may provide insightful background that will improve the assessment of MMC’s effectiveness.
Analysis of the Consequences of not Meeting Prescribed Benchmarks
Not meeting the Minnesota state diabetes benchmarks has profound consequences for health care organizations and teams, particularly impacting Mercy Medical Center in several critical areas. The hospital's organizational mission and vision may be compromised, eroding its reputation as a provider of high-quality, patient-centered care within the community. This failure to meet the state benchmarks could lead to the misallocation of resources, resulting in inefficiencies and potential waste of funding and facilities earmarked for diabetic patient care (Hill-Briggs et al., 2021). Additionally, the strain on the existing workforce due to the inability to meet the benchmarks may contribute to staff burnout and decreased morale, undermining the overall organizational climate and employee retention rates. Financially, the hospital's stability could be at risk, as non-compliance may result in reduced reimbursements and penalties, limiting both operational and capital funding crucial for sustained operations and future investments (Flores-Luevano et al., 2020). In terms of logistical considerations, the underutilization of physical space within the hospital due to inadequate adherence to the benchmarks may impede the effective delivery of diabetes care services, constraining the hospital's ability to accommodate the increasing demands of its diabetic patient population. The strain on ancillary departments, such as pharmacy, cleaning services, and dietary units, could result from increased demands and complexities stemming from the hospital's failure to meet the prescribed standards for diabetic care. Furthermore, the failure to meet the benchmarks may exacerbate existing disparities in health care access and quality among diverse racial and ethnic groups within the community, undermining the hospital's capacity to provide equitable care for all patients (Søvold et al., 2021). It could also impede the development of staff skills necessary for effective diabetes management, hindering the overall professional growth and competency of the healthcare workforce. Addressing these challenges would likely necessitate a comprehensive review of existing procedures and processes related to diabetes care, with a focus on organizational restructuring and the implementation of evidence-based practices in alignment with the state guidelines.
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Poor patient information, restricted access to specialist treatment, and poor training for healthcare personnel are potential causes of benchmark underperformance. These results are predicated on certain assumptions, such as the idea that staff cultural competence training and community engagement initiatives might be the root causes of healthcare delivery discrepancies (Pasquel et al., 2021). Furthermore, it is assumed that labor shortages and budgetary restrictions might impede the adoption of complete diabetes treatment procedures. Lastly, it is assumed that a lack of coordination between auxiliary departments and support services may be a factor in the overall underperformance in terms of reaching the established criteria.
Evaluate Benchmark Underperformance in the Health Care Organization
In the context of MMC, the benchmark underperformance with the greatest potential for significant improvement is in diabetic foot exams. This metric is notably underperforming its benchmark by the most substantial margin compared to other evaluated indicators. Additionally, the underperformance in diabetic foot exams appears to be the most widespread throughout the organization, affecting a significant portion of the diabetic patient population. Considering the high prevalence of diabetes within the community, the suboptimal diabetic foot care may result in increased incidences of diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and amputations, negatively affecting the overall well-being and quality of life of the community members (Cooksey, 2020). Addressing this underperformance presents an opportunity to implement comprehensive diabetic foot care protocols, including regular screenings, patient education, and specialized interventions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes, reduced complications, and enhanced community health (Davis et al., 2022 ). By focusing on enhancing diabetic foot care, MMC can significantly contribute to improving the overall quality of care, fostering a healthier community, and mitigating the long-term burden of diabetic complications.
Ethical Actions of a Benchmark Underperformance
The appropriate group of stakeholders to address the benchmark underperformance in diabetic foot exams at MMC would include the hospital's executive leadership, clinical staff, nursing teams, and community outreach coordinators. These stakeholders play crucial roles in the development and implementation of comprehensive diabetic care protocols and community health initiatives. According to Hersson-Edery et al. (2021),it is imperative for this stakeholder group to take action to ensure that the hospital's diabetic patients receive the necessary foot care interventions and education, thereby preventing the development of severe diabetic foot complications and improving overall patient well-being. To support improved benchmark performance, the stakeholder group can implement ethical actions such as fostering patient-centered care approaches, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all patients, and promoting transparency in communicating the importance of regular diabetic foot exams to patients (Schaper et al., 2020). Additionally, the stakeholders can prioritize patient education and empowerment, encouraging individuals to actively participate in their own care, make informed health decisions, and adhere to recommended treatment plans. According to Hill-Briggs et al. (2021) collaborative efforts with the local community, including culturally sensitive health education programs and support groups, can further promote ethical and sustainable diabetic foot care practices, ultimately leading to improved benchmark performance and better health outcomes for the community at large.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MMC's performance in achieving Minnesota state diabetes criteria has identified important areas of underperformance, notably in diabetic foot examinations. The consequences of failing to reach these criteria go beyond the hospital's immediate operations, influencing its organizational purpose, resource allocation, staff morale, and community health outcomes. To solve these issues, the hospital's administration, clinical staff, and community engagement coordinators must all work together. MMC can significantly improve its diabetic foot care practices by prioritizing ethical and sustainable actions such as improving patient education, fostering equitable access to care, and implementing culturally sensitive interventions, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community it serves.
References
Cooksey, C. (2020). Strategies to Improve Annual Diabetic Foot Screening Compliance at a Family Clinic. Clinical Diabetes, 38(4), 386-389. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd20-0030
Davis, J., Fischl, A. H., Beck, J., Browning, L., Carter, A., Condon, J. E., ... & Villalobos, S. (2022). 2022 National standards for diabetes self-management education and support. The science of diabetes self-management and care, 48(1), 44-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/26350106211072203
Flores-Luevano, S., Pacheco, M., Shokar, G. S., Dwivedi, A. K., & Shokar, N. K. (2020). Impact of a culturally tailored diabetes education and empowerment program in a Mexican American population along the US/Mexico Border: a pragmatic study. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, 12(8), 517. https://doi.org/10.14740%2Fjocmr4273
Hersson-Edery, F., Reoch, J., & Gagnon, J. (2021). The Quebec Diabetes Empowerment Group Program: program description and considerations regarding feasibility and acceptability of implementation in primary health care settings. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 621238. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.621238
Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., ... & Haire-Joshu, D. (2021). Social determinants of health and diabetes: a scientific review. Diabetes care, 44(1), 258-279. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci20-0053
Pasquel, F. J., Lansang, M. C., Dhatariya, K., & Umpierrez, G. E. (2021). Management of diabetes and hyperglycaemia in the hospital. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, 9(3), 174-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30381-8
Schaper, N. C., van Netten, J. J., Apelqvist, J., Bus, S. A., Hinchliffe, R. J., Lipsky, B. A., & IWGDF Editorial Board. (2020). Practical guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease (IWGDF 2019 update). Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 36, e3266. https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.3266
Søvold, L. E., Naslund, J. A., Kousoulis, A. A., Saxena, S., Qoronfleh, M. W., Grobler, C., & Münter, L. (2021). Prioritizing the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers: an urgent global public health priority. Frontiers in public health, 9, 679397. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.679397
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