NURS FPX 6612 Assessment 2 Quality Improvement Proposal

Quality Improvement Through Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

Healthcare organizations aiming to elevate care quality and patient safety should consider transitioning into Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). These models promote comprehensive, patient-centered strategies that not only improve health outcomes but also reduce overall costs. ACOs emphasize evidence-based practices, including the development and implementation of individualized care plans, which have proven effective in managing complex medical conditions while reducing unnecessary healthcare spending (Fraze et al., 2020).

Notably, ACOs have been successful in treating patients with mental health conditions, such as depression, where preventable hospitalizations are considerably lower than in non-ACO settings. This is attributed to the proactive and coordinated care model that ACOs follow, addressing issues before they escalate into hospital-level emergencies (Barath et al., 2020). Such models foster enhanced communication and accountability among healthcare providers, contributing to overall system efficiency.

In managing large patient populations, ACOs demonstrate their strength by optimizing both cost-effectiveness and quality of service. The integrated care environment ensures that financial incentives are aligned with quality metrics, minimizing redundant procedures and focusing on value-driven care delivery. By sharing responsibilities among stakeholders, ACOs hold each party accountable for improving health outcomes at sustainable costs (Moy et al., 2020).

Enhancing Outcomes Through Health Information Technology (HIT)

Health Information Technology (HIT) is instrumental in transforming traditional healthcare delivery into a more accurate, timely, and cost-effective system. HIT systems enable seamless access to electronic patient records, which supports medical teams in tracking health patterns, filtering pertinent information, and delivering patient-specific interventions. A unique Medical Record Number (MRN) is assigned to each patient, ensuring consistent and accurate health documentation across departments.

Expanding HIT infrastructures allows for comprehensive integration across healthcare institutions. Patients can monitor their health progress through mobile portals, while medical professionals can access vital records from secure databases, enhancing clinical decision-making. For example, in the case of Caroline McGlade—a 61-year-old woman—her Electronic Health Record (EHR) provided essential diagnostic and historical information that guided potential breast cancer treatment decisions. This demonstrates the power of HIT in facilitating early detection and continuity of care (Alaei et al., 2019).

The adoption of informatics and analytics enables more efficient organizational planning and improved clinical outcomes. Through digitized records, institutions can minimize duplicative tests, streamline workflows, and enhance communication among interdisciplinary teams. By linking real-time data access to performance evaluations, healthcare organizations can identify gaps, measure growth trajectories, and respond to patient needs more precisely.

Organizational development is further supported by feedback portals that capture staff experiences, fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement. However, the responsibility of managing expansive health databases poses significant challenges, particularly for ACOs striving to balance workload efficiency with optimal care delivery (Robert, 2019).

Challenges in Data Gathering and Recommendations for Improvement

Despite its advantages, HIT implementation introduces new challenges, particularly in the areas of data collection, security, and workforce adaptation. The process involves three core steps: acquiring accurate data, preprocessing for relevance, and conducting thorough analyses. Without proper staff training, these steps can result in errors or misinterpretation of critical health data. Therefore, structured education programs are essential to equip staff with the skills to handle data responsibly and effectively.

Ensuring data security is paramount in safeguarding patient privacy. This involves deploying encryption technologies, limiting access to authorized users, and enforcing strict protocols to prevent data breaches. As data volume continues to grow exponentially, healthcare providers are encouraged to transition to scalable storage solutions like cloud-based systems, which can accommodate future expansion needs securely.

Moreover, the routine use of HIT has been linked to stress and burnout among healthcare professionals. Studies show that constant interaction with digital systems can lead to emotional fatigue and reduced job satisfaction, especially when technological demands overshadow patient care (Gardner et al., 2018). To counteract this, organizations should invest in support systems that prioritize staff well-being, including wellness programs, reduced screen time policies, and better user interface designs.

In conclusion, while HIT is a cornerstone of effective ACO functioning, its success depends on comprehensive training, robust security, and user-centered implementation. Overcoming these barriers is essential for maximizing HIT’s potential to deliver quality care at a lower cost.

References

Alaei, S., Valinejadi, A., Deimazar, G., Zarein, S., Abbasy, Z., & Alirezaei, F. (2019). Use of health information technology in patients care management: A mixed methods study in Iran. Acta Informatica Medica, 27(5), 311. https://doi.org/10.5455/aim.2019.27.311-317

Barath, D., Amaize, A., & Chen, J. (2020). Accountable care organizations and preventable hospitalizations among patients with depression. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 59(1), e1–e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2020.01.028

NURS FPX 6612 Assessment 2 Quality Improvement Proposal

Fraze, T. K., Beidler, L. B., Briggs, A. D. M., & Colla, C. H. (2020). Translating evidence into practice: ACOs’ use of care plans for patients with complex health needs. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 36(1), 147–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06122-4

Gardner, R. L., Cooper, E., Haskell, J., Harris, D. A., Poplau, S., Kroth, P. J., & Linzer, M. (2018). Physician stress and burnout: The impact of health information technology. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(2), 106–114. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocy145

Moy, H., Giardino, A., & Varacallo, M. (2020). Accountable care organization. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448136/

Robert, N. (2019). How artificial intelligence is changing nursing. Nursing Management (Springhouse), 50(9), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.numa.0000578988.56622.21

NURS FPX 6612 Assessment 2 Quality Improvement Proposal