Measuring_Quality

Measuring Quality HCA 210 May 16, 2010 Diane Benson Assessment of the patient’s outcome includes tracking the changes in competence, performance and resumption of the general functionality of the patient. The main goal of rendering quality care is to aid the patient by providing the utmost comfort resulting in restoration of the altered performances of the body’s organ system. An improvement in patient’s condition evidenced by resumption of normal activities is one way of measuring patient outcome. The goal of quality care is to keep the patient in a condition in which any discomforting condition such as pain is alleviated and dealt with appropriately. Every aspect that could help restoration of the normal functionalities is best achieved by providing a quality care in holistic approach, which means dealing the patient in all dimensions – physically, physiologically, psychologically, mentally, emotionally, socially and all the other aspects comprising the totality of the individual. Health care workers play significant roles in determining the quality of care received by patients. Assessment of the patient’s condition is an integral part of care thus the healthcare worker attending the patient is expected to have an updated knowledge of the changes in patient’s general condition. Any identified problem is usually given more weight when prioritizing care. Patient’s needs are identified based on actual or potential problems from which certain goals to be achieved are formulated. Appropriate interventions are rendered aiming to meet the goals. The result of evaluation of any improvement or changes after rendition of any intervention can provide a good reflection of patient’s outcome. For example, when a patient who was weak enough to walk has shown improvement and demonstrates resumptions of self care and is able to walk again after receiving quality care, it is an indication of a good patient outcome. If the patient’s problems were properly identified and the identified needs were met, it means the execution of the process of care is efficient which can be seen as a positive effect of the quality care that has been given. When goals are met, it provides clear indication that the patient outcome is positive. In contrast, failure to meet the goals usually evidenced by deterioration of the patient’s’ condition are most likely suggesting negative patient outcome. Though the outcome may be good or bad, measuring patient outcome can be significantly helpful in directing towards appropriate planning of subsequent aspect of patient care.