BHA FPX 4106 assessment 4 Improving Quality of Care at End of Life for Cancer Patients BHA-FPX4106 Introduction to Managing Health Care Information

 

Overview

The exploration of end-of-life quality of care stands to enhance the planning process for cancer patients, thereby easing the burden on both patients and their families. This inquiry will investigate whether comprehensive discussions regarding end-of-life planning should commence at the time of diagnosis or if patients undergoing ICU care or novel chemotherapy regimens prior to death align with their preferences. Utilizing this research, our institution aims to optimize care for these patients while honoring their end-of-life wishes.

Key Study Components

Data Collection Plan:

This study will target a specific demographic—adults aged 18 and above diagnosed with cancer. The data collection process is estimated to span two to three weeks, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy. Retrieval of essential information will involve scrutinizing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) from local medical facilities and our clinic. This will include data on treatment plans, patient preferences, and documented discussions regarding end-of-life care.

Data Security Plan:

Adherence to strict confidentiality protocols is paramount. All staff involved in this research endeavor will undergo specialized training and sign documentation attesting to their compliance with confidentiality, security, and privacy standards. Additionally, consent from patients and/or their kin will be obtained prior to accessing their medical records. This ensures that all data handling complies with HIPAA regulations and protects patient privacy.

Benchmarking Plan:

Comparative analysis will be conducted between three quality metrics outlined in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and data extracted from local healthcare facilities and our clinic. Leveraging electronic Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) will facilitate seamless interoperability of patient records, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care. The selected metrics will focus on patient satisfaction, the appropriateness of care transitions, and the alignment of care with patient preferences.

Quality and Change Management Strategies:

Rigorous quality management strategies, including peer review and tracer methodology, will be employed to ensure the reliability and accuracy of our findings. Only peer-reviewed journal articles authored by accredited healthcare professionals will be incorporated into our study. Tracer methodology will be utilized to gauge compliance with standards pertaining to the quality of care for individual cancer patients, allowing us to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.

Conclusion

This investigation will provide invaluable insights into end-of-life care practices for our cancer patients. It will shed light on the necessity of initiating discussions about end-of-life decisions early in the cancer diagnosis process to mitigate the likelihood of intensive end-of-life care and promote peaceful home-based transitions. Moreover, it will elucidate whether intensive care aligns with the preferences of these patients nearing the end of life. Furthermore, this study will enable us to assess the suitability of hospice and palliative care for patients experiencing deteriorating health and integrate these options into their end-of-life plans.

Reference

National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Reports. (n.d.). NHQDR Web Site – National Cancer Benchmark Details. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://nhqrnet.ahrq.gov/inhqrdr/National/benchmark/table/Diseases_and_Conditions

BHA FPX 4106 assessment 4 Improving Quality of Care at End of Life for Cancer Patients