ABQAURP News
March / April 2012
Marlin and the Skunk
Marlin is my beloved dog—exuberant, huge, and recently pungent after making a new friend. First, I ignored the whole thing. Sadly, time did not solve the problem. Next, I tried many of the usual, easy anti-skunk remedies. Simple halfway measures, many based on anecdotal reports of efficacy, failed. When air freshener didn’t do it, and the family was ready to leave home, I bowed to the inevitable. Marlin needed a bath, not an easy task since he weighs 120 pounds and doesn’t really like baths. Sadly, no one was better equipped to handle the job than I, poorly equipped as I was.
Given the challenges of the situation, and its increasing urgency, a quick project plan and rapid implementation of that plan were needed. The metrics of success seemed obvious… a socially acceptable dog and a happy family. Finally ready to start the project, I forgot to do a FMEA (failure modes and effects analysis). The cracked and leaking ceiling under the bathroom remains a lesson in what happens when one doesn’t spend a little time planning for what can go wrong prior to diving into a major project, urgent or not.
So, here is my message: Technology implementation in health care is a little like having your dog meet a skunk. The need to proceed becomes evident relatively quickly. The urge to jump right in after a period of procrastination may get the job done, but with unnecessary errors and risk. Project plans that include FMEA or some other assessment of risk, as well as benefit, and well thought-out metrics may lead to a better project overall, but if you move forward without all that, it may still be better than standing still.
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.
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 also 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.
ABQAURP believes that ongoing continuing education in new research, identified problem areas in clinical practice, and areas of interest in the quality assurance, utilization review, risk management, and managed care fields is a worthy endeavor to pursue. Participants improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of health care delivered to the patients to improve the overall clinical outcome. Plus, each activity encourages participants to put into practice knowledge learned and assess the impact. Innovative courses provide important updates and practical tools for all health care professionals. These activities ensure that participating health care professionals receive up-to-date information on the ever-changing health care environment.
For more information, please call Deborah Naser at (800) 998-6030, ext. 118.
2012 HCQM Board Certification and the Core Body of Knowledge
Thank you to all Attendees, Faculty, and Board Members for a successful “A Review of the Core Body of Knowledge” Conference in March. As we open the 2012 Certification Exam window, we thank everyone for making this introductory course a positive, collaborative event for all involved.
The course proved to be an invaluable resource for those preparing for the certification exam. The recording will be available as a home study course in the coming weeks for anyone unable to attend.
In support of providers looking to find their place within Accountable Care Organizations and implementing the Medicare Shared Savings Program, ABQAURP’s goal is to provide the “quality” foundation for health care professionals; aligning with our 35-year mission of improving the quality of health care provided to the consuming public.
CMS goals include the delivery of seamless, high-quality care for Medicare beneficiaries, and to make patients and providers true partners in care decisions. Meeting these goals hinges on measuring quality improvement throughout the care continuum. Quality leaders offering clinical oversight should be: ”senior-level medical directors, board-certified physicians, licensed in the state in which the ACO operates, and physically present in that state.” Diplomates who have achieved certification in Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) through ABQAURP have validated their knowledge and expertise in health care management.
Recognizing that there are no residencies or fellowships in medical management, ABQAURP established the Core Body of Knowledge and Certification in Health Care Quality and Management. The Core Body of Knowledge addresses topics including Transitions of Care, Quality Assurance, Utilization Review, Quality Improvement, Case Management, Risk Management, Patient Safety, and Peer Review.
The newly updated Core Body of Knowledge online and home study courses are integral steps on the path to becoming a Quality Leader by becoming HCQM Certified. Please call Barbara Chalmers at (800) 998-6030, extension 116, or visit our website (www.abqaurp.org) for more information.
ABQAURP Events
Save the Date!
35th Annual Health Care Quality and Patient Safety Conference
April 21, 2012*
Atlanta, GA
www.abqaurp.org/atlanta-2012.asp
Register online now at www.abqaurp.org or call 800-998-6030, ext. 117
*Conference dates and locations are subject to change.
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Member Update
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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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