- Generally, it is believed that when quality improves, cost is reduced. What statements would you make to defend this position? Identify the basic factors that affect the cost of quality. How can you as a nurse or nursing manager influence this area? APA FORMAT, MORE THAN 400 WORDS, MORE THAN 3 RECENT SCHOLARS AS REFERENCE, SUPPORT FACTS WITH INCITE CITATION, INTRO BODY, AND CONCLUSION
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Introduction: The importance of quality improvement in healthcare cannot be overemphasized. Quality improvement is critical to achieving better patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. This response discusses the relationship between quality improvement and cost reduction. Additionally, it identifies the basic factors that affect the cost of quality and how nurses and nursing managers can influence this area.
Answer: The relationship between quality improvement and cost reduction is fundamental in healthcare. Quality improvement aims to identify and eliminate inefficiencies and errors in healthcare delivery, which can lead to better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs (Hendrich, Chow, & Skierczynski, 2017). For example, healthcare organizations that use quality improvement techniques such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles have reported significant improvements in patient outcomes and reductions in healthcare costs.
One of the basic factors that affect the cost of quality is the cost of prevention. Prevention costs involve the expenses incurred to prevent defects from occurring. Examples of prevention costs in healthcare include educating patients on preventive health measures, conducting regular staff training, and investing in technology to improve patient safety. Another factor is the cost of appraisal, which entails evaluating the quality of healthcare processes, products, and services. Appraisal costs in healthcare include expenses associated with monitoring compliance with quality standards, conducting audits, and monitoring patient satisfaction.
As a nurse or nursing manager, you can influence the cost of quality by implementing quality improvement initiatives in your practice. One way is through implementing evidence-based practice (EBP), which involves using the best available evidence to guide clinical decision-making. EBP has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Additionally, nurses can participate in quality improvement training programs to gain skills in Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA cycles, and implement these techniques in their practice.
In conclusion, the relationship between quality improvement and cost reduction is critical to achieving better patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Basic factors that affect the cost of quality include the cost of prevention and appraisal. Nurses and nursing managers can influence the cost of quality by implementing quality improvement initiatives such as evidence-based practice and participating in quality improvement training programs.
