Description
Goals (SDG)s provide a shared proposal for peace and prosperity for individuals and
the planet, now and into the future. The 17 SDGs are an urgent call for action for a
global partnership among all developed and developing countries.
Select one of the 17 SDGs that you feel could significantly improve global health.
Consider the policies healthcare professionals need to consider to advocate for
vulnerable people at a global level.
Based on what you learned this week, address the following requirements:
•
Describe the selected global recommendation or SDG and the identified
vulnerable population.
•
Analyze a policy that impacts your selected SDG.
•
Explain why your selected SDG is relevant to the vulnerable population.
3 days ago
TALAL ALSHAMMARI
The Sustainable Development Goals
COLLAPSE
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3, “Ensure healthy lives and
promote well-being for all at all ages,” is a particularly crucial goal for significantly
improving global health. This SDG recognizes the interconnectedness of health with
other social and economic factors and aims to address the disparities in health
outcomes across different populations (Al-Mansour et al., 2021).
One vulnerable population that stands to benefit significantly from the
implementation of SDG 3 is individuals living in poverty. Poverty often limits access to
essential healthcare services, nutritious food, clean water, and adequate housing.
These factors contribute to a higher risk of chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and
maternal and child mortality. To advocate for this vulnerable group, healthcare
professionals must consider policies that address the root causes of poverty, such as
income inequality, unemployment, and lack of education. They can advocate for policies
that provide universal health coverage, social safety nets, and targeted interventions for
marginalized communities (Dahler-Larsen, 2014).
One policy that impacts SDG 3 is the implementation of universal health coverage
(UHC). UHC ensures that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services
without financial hardship. By advocating for UHC, healthcare professionals can help
ensure that vulnerable populations, including those living in poverty, can access the
care they need to improve their health and well-being (Alonazi & Altuwaijri, 2022).
In conclusion, SDG 3 is a critical goal for improving global health, particularly for
vulnerable populations like those living in poverty. Healthcare professionals can play a
vital role in reducing health disparities and promoting health equity worldwide by
understanding the impact of policies like UHC and advocating for their implementation.
References
Al-Mansour, K., Alfuzan, A., Alsarheed, D., Alenezi, M., & Abogazalah, F. (2021). WorkRelated Challenges among Primary Health Centers Workers during COVID-19 in Saudi
Arabia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1898.
Alonazi, W. B., & Altuwaijri, E. A. (2022). Health Policy Development During COVID-19
in Saudi Arabia: Mixed Methods Analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 9.
Dahler-Larsen, P. (2014). Constitutive Effects of Performance Indicators: Getting
beyond unintended consequences. Public Management Review, 16(7), 969–986.
13 hours ago
KHALIL AL SHAHRI
Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations in the Context of Industry, Innovation, and
Infrastructure (SDG 9)
COLLAPSE
Introduction
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure”
emphasizes building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable
industrialization, and fostering innovation (United Nations, 2021). This goal is vital in
addressing global inequities in healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations
such as rural communities in low-income countries. These populations face systemic
barriers to healthcare due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of medical innovation, and
limited industrial development.
Global Recommendation and Identified Vulnerable Population
SDG 9 recommends promoting equitable access to infrastructure, particularly
healthcare-related, in underserved regions. The rural poor, especially in low-income
countries, represent a vulnerable population disproportionately impacted by inadequate
healthcare facilities and innovation (World Health Organization, 2022). These
communities often experience higher mortality rates from preventable diseases due to
delayed or unavailable medical services.
Policy Analysis Impacting SDG 9
A significant policy impacting SDG 9 is the World Bank’s “Global Infrastructure
Facility” (GIF)initiative. This program mobilizes private investment to fund sustainable
infrastructure in developing nations, including healthcare facilities. While the policy
seeks to improve resource allocation and infrastructure development, critiques highlight
that private-sector-driven models can inadvertently prioritize profit over equitable access
(World Bank, 2020).
For healthcare, the policy promotes Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to establish and
operate rural hospitals and clinics. While PPPs have improved infrastructure in some
regions, such as East Africa, there are concerns about affordability and service
sustainability. Advocacy by healthcare professionals is essential to ensure that these
policies align with the equitable principles outlined in SDG 9.
Relevance of SDG 9 to the Vulnerable Population
The relevance of SDG 9 to rural communities lies in its focus on infrastructure and
innovation, which are critical to overcoming systemic healthcare inequities. Improved
infrastructure, such as roads and telecommunications, enhances access to care.
Additionally, fostering innovation—like mobile health technology and solar-powered
clinics—provides sustainable solutions tailored to remote settings (International Journal
of Health Planning and Management, 2021).
Healthcare professionals are pivotal in advocating for policies that integrate equitable
principles into infrastructure development. By collaborating with policymakers,
healthcare workers can ensure that vulnerable populations benefit directly from
investments in healthcare infrastructure and technological innovation.
Conclusion
SDG 9 underscores the necessity of inclusive and sustainable healthcare infrastructure
for vulnerable populations. The rural poor, particularly in low-income countries, depend
on advancements in infrastructure and innovation to access essential medical services.
Healthcare professionals must actively engage in policy discussions to advocate for
equitable implementation of infrastructure projects, ensuring that these initiatives
prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable. Aligning global policies with SDG 9 is not
just a matter of economic development but a moral imperative to uphold health equity
and human dignity.
References
International Journal of Health Planning and Management. (2021). Health system
infrastructure in rural settings. Retrieved from
United Nations. (2021). Sustainable Development Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure,
promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Retrieved
from
World Bank. (2020). Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF). Retrieved
from
World Health Organization. (2022). Global health equity in infrastructure. Retrieved
from
Financial Condition Analysis (10 points)
From all the knowledge needed to effectively manage a healthcare organization, one of
the most important areas is understanding the business’s current financial condition.
Financial analysis can be defined as the process of assessing the financial condition of
a firm. It can be very useful in understanding the financial position of a company. There
are a number of different ratios that can be used for this purpose, but each has it
benefits and limitations.
Select several ratios you think are valuable when trying to understand the financial
condition of a health care company and explain why you have selected them, explaining
both the benefits and potential limitations of those ratios.
21 hours ago
Reeham Fayoumi
Financial Condition Analysis
COLLAPSE
Introduction
Financial condition analysis is crucial for evaluating an organization’s financial
health, especially in healthcare due to unique financial dynamics like fluctuating patient
volumes, regulatory pressures, and third-party payers (Kenton, 2024). Financial
condition analysis is a process that evaluates an organization’s financial stability,
liquidity, profitability, and long-term growth through the analysis of financial ratios and
performance metrics (Kenton, 2024). Financial condition analysis aids healthcare
organizations in making informed decisions about budgeting, investment strategies, risk
management, and overall organizational sustainability, ensuring high-quality care while
minimizing financial management costs (Kenton, 2024).
Commonly used financial ratios in this analysis include profitability ratios, liquidity
ratios, leverage ratios, and efficiency ratios (“4 Types of Financial Ratios to Assess Your
Business Performance,” 2024) . By analyzing these ratios, stakeholders can identify
strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in the organization’s financial
strategy (“4 Types of Financial Ratios to Assess Your Business Performance,” 2024).
Healthcare organizations face complex financial situations like delayed
reimbursements, capital expenditures, and varying cost structures, necessitating a
thorough financial condition analysis for daily operations and long-term strategic
planning (Jameslopresti, 2024).
To assess an organization’s financial health, a comprehensive view of both
quantitative and qualitative factors, including industry trends and regulatory changes, is
crucial for informed decision-making (The Importance of Data Driven Decision Making in
Business, n.d.).
In understanding the financial condition of a healthcare organization, several
financial ratios are crucial as they offer insights into various aspects of financial health,
such as profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and leverage. Below are some key ratios that I
believe are valuable for analyzing the financial condition of a healthcare company, along
with their benefits and limitations (“4 Types of Financial Ratios to Assess Your Business
Performance,” 2024).
Types of Ratios for Financial Analysis
1) Liquidity Ratios
An indicator of a company’s financial health, the liquidity ratio evaluates its capacity
to satisfy short-term dept with its most liquid assets (Admin, 2021).
The Most Valuable Types of Liquidity Ratios (Admin, 2021) :
a. Current Ratio: Measures the ability to cover current liabilities with current assets.
Formula: Current Assets / Current Liabilities
b. Quick Ratio (Acid-Test Ratio):
A more stringent measure that excludes inventory from current assets, focusing on
liquid assets like cash, receivables, and marketable securities.
Formula:
Quick Ratio = (Cash + Marketable securities + Accounts receivable) / Current liabilities
Benefits (Admin, 2021):
1) Liquidity ratios help assess a company’s short-term financial health and
creditworthiness, influencing stakeholders’ risk of insolvency and lenders’ decisions to
offer or invest in the business.
2) High liquidity ratios indicate efficient resource use and better financial management,
ensuring smooth operations and aiding in risk management by identifying potential
financial stress or liquidity problems.
Limitations (Admin, 2021) :
1) Liquidity ratios, while useful for short-term financial stability, do not accurately reflect
a company’s long-term profitability or performance, and their quality can vary across
industries.
2) Liquidity ratios are short-term, focusing on the current period, and do not consider
long-term financial sustainability or growth prospects. They exclude context,
overliquidity, and potential inefficiency in companies.
2) The solvency ratio
By comparing debt financing to equity, the solvency ratio evaluates a company’s
capacity to pay off long-term debt and shows its financial health; a higher ratio denotes
greater risk-free credit (Admin, 2024).
Formula for Solvency Ratio :
The solvency ratio can be calculated in various ways, depending on the definition used.
The most common formula is (Admin, 2024):
Solvency Ratio= Net Worth (Equity)/Total Assets
Where:
•Net Worth (Equity) refers to the total value of the company’s assets minus its liabilities
(shareholders’ equity).
• Total Assets represents the total resources owned by the company.
Alternatively, the solvency ratio can also be calculated as:
Solvency Ratio = Total Assets – Total Liabilities/Total Assets
The Most Valuable Types of Solvency Ratios (Admin, 2024):
a. Debt-to-Equity Ratio (D/E):
This is one of the most common solvency ratios, comparing total debt to shareholders’
equity.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt /Shareholders’ Equity
b. Interest Coverage Ratio:
This ratio helps measure a company’s ability to pay interest on its outstanding debt. The
formula is:
Interest Coverage Ratio = EBIT/Interest Expense
Where:
EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) is a measure of a company’s profitability.
Interest Expense is the total interest payable on the company’s debt.
These ratios are used to determine the financial health of a company, especially in
terms of its ability to meet long-term dept .
Benefits (Admin, 2024):
1) The company’s solvency ratio is crucial for investors, creditors, and analysts to
evaluate its long-term financial stability and risk of default.
2) Companies with higher solvency ratios are considered less risky investments or
borrowers due to less debt relative to total assets. They also ensure regulatory
compliance in industries like insurance, allowing them to meet their long-term liabilities
and obligations.
Limitations (Admin, 2024) :
1) Solverage measures long-term financial stability but doesn’t indicate short-term
obligations’ ability. Industry-specific, it varies across capital-intensive and service-based
businesses.
2) The solvency ratio, based on financial statement data, does not account for debt
quality or external market conditions, which can impact a company’s financial health.
3) Profitability ratios
profitability ratios assess a company’s capacity to produce profits in relation to its
revenue, assets, or equity, guaranteeing the health and performance of its finances
(Hayes, 2024).
The Most Valuable Types of profitability ratios (Hayes, 2024) :
a. Gross Profit Margin: This metric evaluates a company’s efficiency in producing
goods compared to revenue, aiding in cost comparison with industry peers and
potentially indicating pricing power or cost control ability.
Formula:
Gross Profit Margin= Gross Profit/Revenue ×100
b. Operating Profit Margin (EBIT Margin): The EBIT Margin is a crucial metric for
evaluating a company’s operational profitability, excluding non-operating income, and
aids in industry comparisons by assessing core operational efficiency.
Formula:
Operating Profit Margin = Operating profit/Revenue × 100
c. Net Profit Margin : Investors may assess a company’s entire profitability with this
comprehensive profitability assessment, which includes expenses, taxes, and interest. It
is also simple to compare across industries.
Formula:
Net Profit Margin = Net Profit/Revenue ×100
Benefits (Hayes, 2024):
1) Profitability ratios aid in performance evaluation by comparing a company’s efficiency
in generating profits against costs, and identifying trends or weaknesses within the
same industry or against historical performance.
2) Profitability ratios aid in decision-making, assisting internal management, investors,
and analysts in making strategic investments, cost control, and pricing, and in
forecasting future performance.
Limitations (Hayes, 2024):
1) Profitability ratios can vary significantly between industries, and their focus on profit
generation may not accurately reflect other financial health aspects like liquidity or
solvency.
2) Accounting practices can impact profitability ratios, making comparisons complex.
Non-recurring items can distort ratios, and companies may overestimate short-term
profitability while neglecting long-term sustainability, such as underinvestment in
innovation or capital expenditures.
4) Efficiency Ratios
Efficiency Ratio is a financial metric that measures how effectively a company uses
its resources to generate revenue. It is often used in banking, business analysis, and
various industries to assess operational efficiency (Datarails, 2024).
The Most Valuable Types of Efficiency Ratios (Datarails, 2024):
a. Asset Turnover Ratio: Evaluates the effectiveness with which a business generates
sales from its assets. Better use of assets is indicated by a greater ratio.
Formula:
Asset Turnover Ratio = Revenue / Total Assets
b. Inventory Turnover Ratio: Shows how frequently a business sells and replenishes
its stock over time. An increased ratio indicates effective inventory control.
Formula:
Inventory Turnover Ratio= Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory
c. Receivables Turnover Ratio: Evaluates a company’s ability to recover its
receivables. Faster collection is indicated by a greater ratio.
Formula:
Receivables Turnover Ratio = Net Credit Sales / Average Accounts Receivable
Benefits (Datarails, 2024):
1) Efficiency Ratios aid in informed decision-making and benchmarking performance,
enabling management to allocate resources effectively and compare performance with
industry standards or competitors.
2)The tool identifies cost reduction opportunities and profitability insights by assessing
the efficiency of assets and labor utilization.
Limitations (Datarails, 2024):
1) Efficiency ratios focus on internal operations, overlooking external factors like
inflation and market conditions, and may not be applicable across all industries due to
different capital and asset utilization needs.
2) High efficiency ratios overlook non-financial factors like employee morale and
customer satisfaction, and may mislead investors into underinvestment in growth or
sustainability practices.
Conclusion
A financial condition analysis evaluates an organization’s financial health and
performance, assessing profitability, liquidity, solvency, and efficiency to assess its
ability to meet obligations and manage resources effectively (“4 Types of Financial
Ratios to Assess Your Business Performance,” 2024).
A strong financial condition indicates a company’s ability to sustain operations,
expand, and weather financial challenges, while a weak financial health may indicate
potential risks (Jameslopresti, 2024).
Financial condition analysis is vital for stakeholders like investors, creditors, and
managers to make informed decisions about a company’s strengths, weaknesses,
financial stability, and long-term success potential (The Importance of Data Driven
Decision Making in Business, n.d.).
References
Admin. (2021). Liquidity Ratios: Definition, Types, Formula, Importance, FAQs. BYJUS.
Admin. (2024). What is Solvency Ratio: Key Insights -.
Datarails. (2024). What are efficiency ratios? Datarails.
Hayes, A. (2024). Profitability Ratios: What they are, common types, and how
businesses use them.Investopedia.
Jameslopresti. (2024). Financial challenges in healthcare. Online Degrees – Florida
Institute of Technology | Florida Tech Online.
Kenton, W. (2024). Financial Statement Analysis: How it’s done, by statement type.
Investopedia.
The importance of data driven decision making in business. (n.d.). RIB Software.
4 types of financial ratios to assess your business performance.
(2024). BDC.ca.
3 days ago
TALAL ALSHAMMARI
Several Ratios in Financial Analysis
COLLAPSE
Profitability Ratios
One crucial aspect of understanding a healthcare company’s financial health is its
profitability. The Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin are particularly valuable. The
Gross Profit Margin reveals the company’s efficiency in managing its direct costs, while
the Net Profit Margin provides a broader picture of overall profitability after considering
all operating expenses. However, it is essential to note that factors like changes in
healthcare regulations, reimbursement rates, and the mix of services provided can
influence these ratios (Putri et al., 2024).
Liquidity Ratios
Liquidity ratios assess a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations. The
Current Ratio and Quick Ratio are crucial for healthcare companies. A solid current ratio
indicates the company has sufficient assets to cover its short-term liabilities. The quick
ratio, which excludes inventory (often less liquid in healthcare), provides a more
conservative measure of liquidity. While these ratios are essential, it is crucial to
consider that healthcare companies often have unique asset and liability structures,
which can impact their liquidity profile (Madushanka & Gowthaman, 2018).
Efficiency Ratios
Efficiency ratios gauge a company’s ability to utilize its assets effectively. The Asset
Turnover Ratio is particularly relevant for healthcare companies. A higher asset turnover
ratio suggests the company generates more revenue from its assets. However, it is
crucial to interpret this ratio in conjunction with other factors, such as the company’s
growth strategy and investment in new technologies (Putri et al., 2024).
Solvency Ratios
Solvency ratios measure a company’s long-term financial health and ability to meet
debt obligations. The Debt-to-Equity Ratio is a crucial solvency ratio. A lower debt-toequity ratio indicates a stronger financial position and lower risk. However, healthcare
companies often have significant capital investments, which can lead to higher debt
levels. When analyzing this ratio, it is essential to consider the industry norms and the
company’s specific capital structure (Shen & Chen, 2023).
Conclusion
By carefully analyzing these ratios, investors and analysts can gain valuable insights
into a healthcare company’s financial performance. However, it is essential to consider
the specific characteristics of the healthcare industry, including regulatory changes,
reimbursement trends, and the impact of technological advancements, when
interpreting these ratios. A comprehensive financial analysis should involve quantitative
and qualitative factors to arrive at a well-rounded assessment of a healthcare
company’s financial health.
References
Madushanka, K., & Gowthaman, J. (2018). “The Impact of Liquidity Ratios on
Profitability (With special reference to Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka).
Volume 3, 157–161.
Putri, P. A. N., Djaniar, U., Lumentah, N. R., Mutmainah, M., & Mere, K. (2024).
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF COMPANIES THROUGH LIQUIDITY AND
PROFITABILITY RATIO APPROACHES. Journal of Economic, Bussines and
Accounting (COSTING), 7(6), 5317–5320.
Shen, H., & Chen, J. (2023). Research on U-shaped relationship between short-term
debt for long-term use and supply chain enterprise default risk: Evidence from Chinese
listed firms. PLOS ONE, 18(10), e0293284.
In this week’s discussion, you will analyze hospital readmission rates and the role of
quality improvement to achieve desired outcomes.
•
Describe the importance of reducing hospital readmissions.
•
Explain how healthcare quality improvement science can be used to guide
reducing hospital readmission rates.
•
Provide an example of a quality improvement project conducted in the
emergency room setting that will improve the hospital readmission rates.
•
Discuss the teams needed to initiate, implement and successfully execute the
project.
•
Discuss the purpose and intended outcomes of the quality initiative and how it
will improve care across the organization.
•
•
•
•
3 days ago
TALAL ALSHAMMARI
Improving Patient Outcomes
•
COLLAPSE
Hospital readmission rates significantly impact healthcare systems. High readmission
rates indicate potential shortcomings in patient care, leading to increased costs, patient
dissatisfaction, and poorer health outcomes. Reducing these rates is crucial for improving
overall healthcare quality and efficiency (Alasmari et al., 2021).
•
Quality improvement science offers a structured approach to identifying and addressing
systemic issues contributing to readmissions. By utilizing tools like root cause analysis,
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, and data-driven decision-making, healthcare
organizations can systematically target areas for improvement (Silver et al., 2016).
•
One example of a quality improvement project in the emergency room is implementing
a comprehensive discharge planning process. This initiative aims to reduce preventable
readmissions by ensuring patients have clear discharge instructions, medication
reconciliation, and appropriate follow-up appointments. The project team would include
emergency physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and case managers (Hassanain,
2017).
•
This quality initiative aims to enhance patient care coordination and communication,
improving patient outcomes and reducing readmission rates. The project aims to empower
patients to manage their health conditions effectively and prevent unnecessary
hospitalizations by addressing potential gaps in discharge planning. This initiative aligns
with the organization’s goal of providing high-quality, patient-centered care (Alasmari et
al., 2021).
•
In conclusion, reducing hospital readmission rates is a critical goal for healthcare
organizations. By leveraging quality improvement science, healthcare providers can
systematically identify and address the underlying causes of readmissions. Implementing
evidence-based interventions, such as comprehensive discharge planning and medication
reconciliation, can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A
multidisciplinary team approach is essential to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Healthcare organizations can work towards a future with fewer readmissions and healthier
patients by prioritizing quality improvement and patient-centered care.
•
•
•
References
Alasmari, S., Williams, S., Rich, N., & Rea, D. (2021). Sustainability of Quality
Improvement Initiatives within the Saudi Ministry of Health Hospitals: An Institutional
Overview. Saudi
Journal
of
Health
Systems
Research, 1(1), 3–10.
Hassanain, M. (2017). An Overview of the Performance Improvement Initiatives by the
Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health
•
Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 54, 0046958017707872.
Silver, S. A., McQuillan, R., Harel, Z., Weizman, A. V., Thomas, A., Nesrallah, G., Bell,
C. M., Chan, C. T., & Chertow, G. M. (2016). How to Sustain Change and Support
Continuous Quality Improvement. Clinical Journal of the American Society of
Nephrology, 11(5), 916.
•
13 hours ago
KHALIL AL SHAHRI
Reducing Hospital Readmissions: A Discussion on Quality Improvement
Initiatives
COLLAPSE
The Importance of Reducing Hospital Readmissions
Hospital readmissions, often unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge, are a
significant indicator of healthcare quality and efficiency. High readmission rates burden
healthcare systems with increased costs and compromise patient safety and
satisfaction. Research suggests that a considerable proportion of readmissions is
preventable through better care coordination and communication during the transition
from hospital to home (Jencks et al., 2009). Moreover, reducing readmissions has
become a priority under the Affordable Care Act, with financial penalties imposed on
hospitals with excessive rates, further highlighting its importance.
Leveraging Healthcare Quality Improvement Science
Quality improvement (QI) science provides structured methodologies for analyzing and
addressing system-level inefficiencies, making it an invaluable tool for reducing hospital
readmissions. Techniques such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, Six Sigma, and
Lean methodologies enable healthcare teams to identify root causes of readmissions
and design evidence-based interventions. For example, process mapping can help
identify gaps in discharge planning, while data analytics can pinpoint high-risk
populations who may benefit from targeted interventions.
A Quality Improvement Project in the Emergency Room Setting
An illustrative example of a QI project aimed at reducing readmissions is implementing
a comprehensive discharge follow-up program in the emergency room (ER). In this
initiative, patients discharged from the ER receive follow-up phone calls within 48 hours
to ensure they understand their discharge instructions, schedule follow-up
appointments, and address any emerging health concerns. Studies have demonstrated
that post-discharge follow-ups significantly reduce readmissions by enhancing patient
compliance and early detection of complications (Balaban et al., 2012).
Teams Required for Successful Execution
The success of a QI initiative relies on interdisciplinary collaboration. Essential team
members include:
•
ER Physicians and Nurses: Provide clinical insights into patient care processes
and identify high-risk patients.
•
Case Managers and Social Workers: Address social determinants of health
and ensure smooth transitions of care.
•
Quality Improvement Specialists: Guide the implementation using data-driven
methodologies.
•
IT Support: Enable seamless communication and monitoring through electronic
health records (EHRs).
•
Patient Advocates: Incorporate patient feedback to align initiatives with patientcentered care principles.
Purpose and Intended Outcomes of the Quality Initiative
The primary purpose of this quality initiative is to ensure continuity of care and prevent
avoidable complications that lead to readmissions. Expected outcomes include
improved patient adherence to discharge instructions, better chronic disease
management, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Moreover, reducing readmissions can
lead to cost savings for the hospital and improved performance metrics under valuebased reimbursement models.
Organizational Impact
A successful ER discharge follow-up program can set a precedent for broader
organizational improvements. Insights gained from this initiative can inform hospitalwide discharge planning protocols, standardize follow-up procedures, and establish a
culture of continuous improvement. By addressing the root causes of readmissions, the
initiative not only improves patient outcomes but also bolsters the hospital’s reputation
for high-quality care.
References
Balaban, R. B., Weissman, J. S., Samuel, P. A., & Woolhandler, S. (2012). Reducing
hospital readmissions with enhanced patient education and postdischarge followup. Health Affairs, 31(5), 1027-1033.
Jencks, S. F., Williams, M. V., & Coleman, E. A. (2009). Rehospitalizations among
patients in the Medicare fee-for-service program. New England Journal of
Medicine, 360(14), 1418-1428.
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