Proposal Develeopment Paper
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Grand Canyon University *
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540
Subject
Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
Pages
9
Uploaded by CommodoreBison3766
Proposal Development Paper
1
Proposal Development Paper
Cory Camps
Grand Canyon University
HCA 540
Dr. Jackie Wojtecki
October 11
th
, 2023
Proposal Development Paper
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Abstract:
This abstract encapsulates the essence of a comprehensive Medication Error Reduction
Project, designed to improve patient safety within a healthcare environment. Medication errors
remain a persistent concern, leading to adverse outcomes for patients and escalating healthcare
costs. Grounded in evidence-based research, this project is driven by a compelling rationale
supported by substantial findings, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue. Through a
thoughtfully crafted implementation plan, we aim to bring about change in a systematic manner.
This plan encompasses a communication strategy, training program, and clearly defined short-
term, midterm, and long-term goals. We also anticipate and address potential implementation
obstacles. With this project, we endeavor to create a culture of safety and substantially reduce
medication errors, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare quality and patient well-
being.
Proposal Development Paper
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Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, patient safety stands as an unwavering
pillar, embodying the essence of care and commitment. Medication errors, unfortunately,
continue to pose a grave threat to this fundamental principle, causing harm to patients and
incurring substantial healthcare costs. As we embark on the journey to lead an implementation
project aimed at reducing medication errors, it is imperative to recognize the pressing need for
evidence-based solutions and strategic planning. This project finds its roots in the irrefutable
evidence from research findings that highlight the extent of this problem. With a strong
understanding of the background, compelling research, and an intricate network of stakeholders,
our project is poised to make a lasting impact. This introduction sets the stage for our endeavor
to bring about transformative change in patient safety by presenting a well-structured approach
to address the critical issue of medication errors within a healthcare setting.
Develop a rationale
The proposed implementation project, aimed at reducing medication errors within a
hospital setting, emerges as a critical and compelling response to an issue of paramount
importance in the healthcare sector. Medication errors, often stemming from a complex interplay
of factors, pose a significant threat to patient well-being and are a substantial financial burden for
healthcare systems. This project finds its motivation in a dire need, given that medication errors,
and the for a significant number of preventable deaths annually. “Preventable medical errors
contribute substantially to healthcare costs, including higher health insurance costs per person
expenses.” (Rodziewicz TL, et al. Jan 2023 para 2) It is an issue that transcends the boundaries
of healthcare facilities and regulatory bodies, requiring a comprehensive approach for resolution.
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To fortify the foundation of this project, evidence-based research plays a pivotal role. The
"Preventing Medication Errors" report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine serves as a guiding light, shedding light on the extent and underlying causes of
medication errors. (Aspden, P, et al. 2007) This research unequivocally emphasizes the pressing
urgency for remedial action. It validates the project's raison d'être and underscores the
significance of its mission.
Stakeholders
The stakeholders in this endeavor represent a diverse group, each with a distinctive role
to play in tackling medication errors. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and
pharmacists, are at the front line of patient care and medication administration. Patients
themselves are vital stakeholders, as they are the ultimate recipients of healthcare services and
need to be informed and engaged in their own care. Hospital administrators carry the
responsibility of creating an environment that fosters patient safety, while pharmaceutical
companies have a role in ensuring the safety and quality of medications provided to healthcare
facilities. “Having facility-wide patient safety policies and procedures that delineate clear plans
for supervisor responsibility and accountability and enable each employee to explain how his or
her performance affects patient safety.” (Institute of Medicine 2004 para. 7) The involvement of
these stakeholders ensures a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the problem.
Proposed Solutions
The proposed solutions for reducing medication errors are multifaceted and encompass
several dimensions. The implementation of electronic medication administration records
(eMARs) introduces technology as a safeguard against manual errors, enhancing accuracy and
efficiency in medication management. (Rodziewicz TL, et al. Jan 2023 para 25) Improved staff
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training and communication protocols are pivotal components, aiming to equip healthcare
professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent errors and communicate
effectively within multidisciplinary care teams. Patient education, but, empowers individuals to
take an active role in their own care, providing them with the tools to understand and manage
their medications effectively. (Kim, Y.S 2020) Perhaps most crucially, the cultivation of a
hospital-wide culture that encourages reporting and learning from errors is the cornerstone of
sustainable change. This culture shift fosters an environment where errors are viewed as
opportunities for improvement, rather than as sources of blame.
In summation, this implementation project stands as a formidable response to the
daunting challenge of medication errors in healthcare. It is grounded in the urgency highlighted
by evidence-based research, engaged stakeholders from all corners of the healthcare ecosystem,
and offers a multifaceted solution to reduce errors systematically. Through the adoption of best
practices, advanced technology, and a cultural shift towards patient safety, this project endeavors
to create a safer healthcare environment, thereby enhancing patient safety and the overall quality
of healthcare delivery.
Design an implementation plan
Communication Plan:
Effective communication is the lifeblood of this implementation plan. “Throughout the
implementation process, effectively communicating ideas, progress, and changes to various
stakeholders will be critical to success.” (Washington Mental Health System Assessment 2016
pg. 5) By maintaining regular meetings and updates with hospital staff and leadership, we aim to
ensure that everyone is well-informed about the project's objectives, progress, and any necessary
adjustments. An open-door policy for reporting errors and providing feedback will be instituted
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to foster transparency and create a culture of shared responsibility for patient safety. This
approach not only keeps all stakeholders engaged but also encourages them to actively contribute
to the project's success, leading to a sense of ownership and collective commitment to the cause.
Start-Up plan:
“The start-up plan defines tasks that should be executed in the first four months to
establish a structure for identification and analysis of decision points that will drive
implementation.” (Washington Mental Health System Assessment 2016 pg. 8) Our start-up plan
is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent
medication errors. We recognize that effective training is pivotal in this endeavor. Training
sessions will be conducted regularly, not only during the project's initial stages but as an ongoing
process to ensure that healthcare staff remains up to date with best practices. Special emphasis
will be placed on the use of eMARs, as these electronic systems hold the potential to
significantly reduce manual errors. Moreover, proper medication verification and improved
communication protocols will be embedded in the training program. Continuous education is not
just a component; it's a mindset that we aim to cultivate, ensuring that healthcare professionals
continually reinforce their commitment to patient safety.
Implementation Plan:
The implementation plan is designed to attain both immediate and enduring goals.
(Washington Mental Health System Assessment 2016) In the short term (3-6 months), we will
introduce eMAR systems, standardize medication storage procedures, and initiate staff training.
These initial actions are critical to establishing a strong foundation for the project. In the midterm
(6-12 months), we will shift our focus towards data analysis. Monitoring error rates and
identifying trends in medication errors are essential steps, enabling us to pinpoint specific areas
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that require improvement. Based on these insights, we will implement process improvements and
refinements to enhance the overall medication management system. In the long term (12+
months), our goals include achieving a significant reduction in medication errors and
maintaining a culture of safety. Sustaining these improvements over time is integral to the
project's success, and it's a testament to our commitment to long-lasting change.
Identification of Potential Implementation Obstacles and Mitigation:
Anticipating and mitigating potential obstacles is a cornerstone of our implementation
plan. Resistance to change is a common challenge in healthcare settings. To address this, we will
engage staff proactively from the project's inception, encouraging their participation and
addressing any concerns they might have. This not only eases the transition but also harnesses
the valuable insights and expertise of those directly involved in patient care. Staff shortages are a
concern, and to counteract this, we will allocate temporary support and adjust workloads to
ensure that training doesn't burden an already stretched workforce. Technological challenges,
especially with the implementation of eMAR systems, will be met with thorough testing and
continuous technical support. This ensures that the technology operates seamlessly and
minimizes disruptions in patient care.
In essence, our implementation plan is comprehensive, focusing on communication,
training, and a clear timeline for action. By engaging stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of
patient safety through training, and tackling potential obstacles head-on, we are poised to
systematically reduce medication errors and foster a culture of excellence in healthcare delivery.
This project represents our unwavering dedication to the well-being of the patients we serve and
the enhancement of healthcare quality.
Conclusion
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In conclusion, the Medication Error Reduction Project represents a vital undertaking to
enhance patient safety within our healthcare institution. With a foundation based on evidence-
backed research findings, this project addresses the pervasive issue of medication errors, which
jeopardizes patient well-being and escalates healthcare costs. Through a comprehensive
implementation plan encompassing effective communication, continuous training, and short-
term, midterm, and long-term objectives, we aim to create a culture of safety and significantly
reduce medication errors. While challenges may arise, proactive strategies to engage
stakeholders, overcome resistance, address staff shortages, and manage technological
complexities will be essential to navigate these obstacles. This project reflects our unwavering
commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare, where patient safety remains at the forefront,
ultimately improving the lives of those we serve.
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References
Aspden, P et al. (2007) PREVENTING MEDICATION ERRORS National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2007. Preventing Medication Errors. Washington,
DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11623.
Kim, Y. S., Kim, H. S., Kim, H. A., Chun, J., Kwak, M. J., Kim, M. S., Hwang, J. I., & Kim, H.
(2020). Can patient and family education prevent medical errors? A descriptive study.
BMC health services research, 20(1), 269.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05083-y
Institute of Medicine (US) (2004) Committee on the Work Environment for Nurses and Patient
Safety; Page A, editor. Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment of
Nurses. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); Creating and Sustaining a
Culture of Safety. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216181/
Mutair, A. A., Alhumaid, S., Shamsan, A., Zaidi, A. R. Z., Mohaini, M. A., Al Mutairi, A.,
Rabaan, A. A., Awad, M., & Al-Omari, A. (2021). The Effective Strategies to Avoid
Medication Errors and Improving Reporting Systems. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland),
8(9), 46.
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8090046
Rodziewicz TL, Houseman B, Hipskind JE. (May 2
nd
, 2023) Medical Error Reduction and
Prevention. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499956/
Washington Mental Health System Assessment (December 21, 2016) Implementation and
Communication Plan Retrieved on October 9
th
, 2023 from
WashingtonMentalHealthAssessment_ImplementationCommunicationPlan.pdf
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