ABQAURP News
March/April 2013
A Quality Conundrum—Can We Learn From the Dogs?
Eight weeks ago, we came home from work to find our dog, Marlin, awaiting us with great anxiety and agitation. Our newly adopted (and reportedly spayed) dog, Ruby, was not at the gate. Something was clearly wrong!
Concerned, we rushed inside to find Ruby guarding a dog bed containing something brown and wriggling—ultimately identified as 10 puppies.
My Root Cause Analysis has come up with the following:
- Checking patient identifiers pre-procedure does matter. Ruby’s original procedure should have been a hysterectomy. Probably a similar looking dog had that procedure and is now infertile, whether or not she wanted to be. If that other dog needed a different medically indicated procedure, which is even worse….
- Expectation bias is huge. Two vets confirmed that Ruby had had a hysterectomy because they felt a scar where they expected one. (There is no scar.)
- Denial is a powerful force. Ruby was vomiting (dogs get morning sickness), gaining weight, and showing significant ‘mammary development.’ Pregnancy should not have been a tough diagnosis.
- Socioeconomic factors impact patient outcomes. We were able to care for, and enjoy, Ruby and 10 puppies. Not everyone could.
While no one can argue the importance of outcomes measures in evaluating quality and research, let’s not lose track of the value of process and structure measures.
Ruby’s puppies are our quality conundrum. From a structure, process, and quality-of-care perspective, this story is a nightmare. From an outcomes perspective, the puppies are awesome.
Please send inquiries and comments to rwillog@abqaurp.org, please include
Quality Column in the subject line.
We look forward to your participation in this new column.
HCQM Board Certification
When deciding on a credential, you want the best, most comprehensive certification that covers the entire health care quality continuum. Choose the provider with the experience that has come to define the field of Health Care Quality and Management.
Those certified in HCQM set themselves apart from the crowd and are distinguished by superior skills; balancing appropriateness of services with cost and quality. They are not just better care providers, they are quality leaders!
We are now accepting applications for the 2013 HCQM Board Certification. The Exam window is currently open for this year’s examination. Don’t delay, apply today!
Please call Barbara Chalmers at:
(800) 998-6030, extension 116 or visit
our website (www.abqaurp.org) for more information.
Is Your Medical Education Accredited?
ABQAURP welcomes applications for joint sponsorship of educational activities for continuing education credit. ABQAURP accredits a variety of activities, including:
- Live Activity
- Internet Activity Live
- Enduring Material
- Internet Activity Enduring Material
- Journal-Based CME
- Performance Improvement
ABQAURP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians and is accredited by the Florida Board of Nursing to sponsor nursing contact hours. As an accredited provider, ABQAURP is here to work with each joint sponsor organization to ensure the accreditation process runs as smoothly as possible. Benefits of working with ABQAURP include: one-on-one assistance, on-site assistance, contact for speakers and commercial supporters, evaluation compilation, one-time mailing list to drive attendance, website placement, and advertising in Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare magazine.
For more information, please call Deborah Naser at (800) 998-6030, ext. 118.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP FOR YOUR FUTURE:
Become a Quality Leader and stand out from the crowd!
Commitment to health care quality is an important factor in your field. Distinguish yourself from the crowd! Be part of the success in improving health care and help support the advancement of the health care quality industry. Take the first step and become an ABQAURP Professional Member today!
Membership with ABQAURP demonstrates your deep commitment to patient safety, health care quality, and effective care. Whether you are directly involved with the health care of patients or the administration of the care they receive, joining our organization shows that you are proactive and enthusiastic about your career and the level of excellence in the care you provide.
We are not simply “another association.” We are a community, comprised of virtually every type of health care professional, striving to improve health care quality, applying what we learn to current and future innovations.
ABQAURP’s Professional Membership was established for those individuals who are devoted to the concepts and objectives outlined in ABQAURP’s Mission “to improve the overall quality of health care that is provided to the consuming public.” Many choose to utilize membership as a pathway to certification, taking advantage of our educational opportunities while preparing for our Certification in Health Care Quality and Management.
Benefits include discounted registration fees for the Certification Exam, live conferences, and all courses. The education credits earned for these programs may be applied toward eligibility for the certification exam. In addition, you will receive a complimentary subscription to Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare. Professional members are also listed in ABQAURP’s online directory and have unlimited access to the Member’s Only section of the website. Professional members can take advantage of employment opportunities through ABQAURP’s participating health care placement companies and prospective networking at continuing education conferences.
A special thank you
To the Faculty and Attendees of the 36th Annual Conference
and Readmission Boot Camp
— From ABQAURP’s Board of Directors and Staff
We hope to see you next year at our annual meeting!
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ABQAURP wants to recognize members for their achievements in advancing the field of health care quality management and patient safety. Please send your news to ABQAURP by email to feature@abqaurp.org for consideration. |
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