Healthcare
Network Associates
Cheri Elmore, RN, BSN, MBA
(217)757-2004
4/14/04
Listed
below are a series of questions to help provide ideas for clinics
just starting out in the quality arena. These are all areas that
our 6 rural health clinics have struggled with at some time. If
you see something on the list that sounds all too familiar, and
you want to hear the details of our efforts, please feel free to
call me.
The key to these questions is CONSISTENCY
in performance. Much of our initial effort has been focused on simple
issues that were hard to consistently overcome. Look at the list
below and ask if:
- Our Medical Records consistently have
- Comprehensive history and physical
- Current problem list
- "NKA" or allergy list in a prominent location
- Vitals for the date of service
- Weight for the date of service
- Current face sheet listing all the demographic
information
- We consistently remove outdated medications
and supplies before they expire. We store according to manufacture's
guidelines.
- We consistently offer annual TB training to
all affected staff.
- We consistently clean autoclaves and complete
spore testing according to manufacture's guidelines.
- We consistently replace sharps containers when
they reach the "full line."
- We have accurate and complete CLIA manuals,
including required quality performance measures described in each
package insert.
- Clinical staff is able to demonstrate appropriate
use of emergency equipment and supplies, including oxygen set
up where available.
- Staff is consistently able to articulate their
personal role in the event of a fire, tornado, or other disaster.
- We have a recall process in place for supplies
and medications.
- We have an employee satisfaction survey process.
- We have a patient satisfaction survey process.
- We consistently perform well on outside surveys.
- We routinely assess core competencies of every
staff member.
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