Patient Safety Strategy, Case Study Example

Introduction

The case study provides two different perspectives regarding the direction that the organization should take with respect to its technology-based strategy to ensure that patient safety is optimized. Based upon the information provided in the case study, it is important to identify a feasible and appropriate strategy that will be cost effective and appropriate for the current needs of the organization, based upon quality of care and other considerations. LMH must consider both alternatives that have been presented and determine which approach will be must feasible and that may be accomplished in the desired timeframe to ensure that patient care is not compromised (Wager et.al, 2013).

Analysis

The organization has two alternatives: 1) to build upon the strategy recommended by Moore and address long-term and widespread strategic change with respect to its information technologies; or 2) to address a smaller concern in the immediate short term and replace older IV pumps with a newer Smart technology that will enhance patient safety. The former option establishes a vision for the long-term future of the organization and examines current technologies, as well as what technologies might be necessary to enable the organization to remain at the forefront of quality and patient safety. This alternative is also likely to facilitate the expansion of technology-based tools so that patients are able to experience the safest possible environment for recovery. This alternative also demonstrates that a long-term strategic solution is viable and practical to meet emerging trends and the risks associated with patient safety across all units. However, on the negative side, this alternative requires a significant amount of capital, knowledge, and other resources in order to accomplish the desired goals and objectives, as well as a lengthy time commitment to complete the development and implementation phases.

The latter alternative is feasible because it requires less capital and resources to implement because it involves only one piece of technology that will be replaced throughout the organization (Wager et.al, 2013). It is important to update equipment as necessary to improve quality of care and provide patients with the best possible chance for recovery. In addition, this alternative does not require significant time nor a large knowledge base to implement at the organizational level. However, this alternative does not consider the long-term needs of the organization and the potential risks associated with remaining at the status quo with respect to technological resources. By choosing this alternative, the organization is at risk of limiting its overall quality of care and patient safety on a system-wide basis.

Conclusion

Most importantly, the decision that is made must reflect the current needs of the organization and the utilization of resources in an efficient manner that will accomplish important objectives for the organization and its patients. In this example, there are advantages and disadvantages to both strategies; therefore, each should be considered in the context of the technological awareness and growth of the organization to promote greater quality of care and treatment for all patients. In the interest of time and available capital, the purchase of the Smart IV pump technology is most feasible in the short term and provides an immediate solution to enhance patient safety that is cost effective and does not require a significant commitment of time and resources. For this reason, an equipment purchase is feasible for the short term, accompanied by a strategy to establish a longer-term approach for a future investment to facilitate positive outcomes for patients that will also facilitate the development of resources to ensure that a long-term capital investment is secured and available to implement a comprehensive strategy.

References

Wager, K.A., Lee, F.W., and Glaser, J.P. (2013). Health Care Information Systems: a practical approach for health care. John Wiley & Sons.