DNP 835 Reflecting on the “IHI Module: PS 202 Achieving Total Systems of Safety,” describe the eight recommendations proposed in the IHI report that DNP leaders can apply to accelerate patient safety and the prevention of harm

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement proposes eight recommendations to promote patient safety by reflecting on the systems that increase optimal outcomes (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2023). As with most change processes, leadership buy-in is paramount; hence leaders sets standards that establish and maintain the safety culture. Doctors of Nursing Practices use the leaders to augment the safety culture mindset encouraging them to direct, centralize, and synchronize a plan that promotes patient safety. As the DNP collaborates with the leadership team, the meetings provide mutually agreed safety metrics reflecting meaningful outcomes. For example, if the organization notices an uptake in new admission falls, safety metrics include establishing and updating protocols to identify and implement measures for reduction. Likewise, the new fall risk identification protocols would require relevant outcome measurements to justify continuation. Fortunately, evidence-based practice supports the change process, and DNPs act as change initiators.

Evidence-based practice alterations reflect research-driven patient safety processes, and unfortunately, as with any program, research endeavors require funding. Therefore, another component of IHIs Achieving Total Systems of Safety includes increasing research funding that addresses safety and covers the healthcare continuum (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2023). In addition, IHIs premise is that healthcare safety is an ongoing process starting from conception; hence, the practitioners involved must address their patients’ current and future needs. Another aspect of IHI’s Achieving Total Systems of Safety process is the support of the healthcare workforce; IHI reminds entities to consider the worker’s emotional and physical needs in scheduling as exhaustion increases the risk of medical errors.

The DNP can guide facilities to implement minor changes such as staffing considerations (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2023). In addition, DNPs can use the skills acquired through their direct practice improvement program to prove that supporting the healthcare team allows for a more effective patient-family safety partnership. Finally, as technology continuously evolves, it can be valuable for the Achieving Total Systems of Safety program. Technology has revolutionized care practices; therefore, DNPs assistance can be used to optimize patient safety improvement.

References

Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2023). Free from Harm: Accelerating Patient Safety Improvement Fifteen Years after To Err Is Human | IHI – Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Www.ihi.org. https://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Publications/Free-from-Harm-Accelerating-Patient-Safety-Improvement.aspx