Quality/Performance Improvement (QI/PI) is a systematic approach used in various fields to enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of processes, products, or services. QI/PI involves identifying areas for improvement. The quality performance of the project related to improving staff education on nutritional modification and telehealth intervention for the efficient diagnosis of COPD will be measured. QI/PI methodologies aim to drive continuous improvement and achieve higher performance levels (AHRQ, 2020).

Describe the Current Practice Needing Improvement

The problem being addressed is the care provided to in-patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic respiratory condition that can significantly impair lung function and quality of life (Konstantinidis et al., 2022). Patients with COPD often require specialized care to manage their symptoms, improve lung function, and prevent readmissions. The root cause of gap in practice include insufficient knowledge pertaining to nutritional practices, timely follow-ups, and discerning requisite care characterizes the current approach to COPD management at the practicum site. Regrettably, the hospital’s actions to enlighten patients about the crucial significance of smoking cessation and implementing lifestyle modifications for effective disease management remain inadequate. Moreover, the lack of appropriate emergency services accessible to patients further exacerbates the issue, resulting in prolonged periods of waiting. (Konstantinidis et al., 2022). The root cause suggests that the current practices or standard care for COPD patients are not optimized for achieving the desired outcomes.

The root cause analysis suggests a gap between the current practices or standard care provided to in-patients diagnosed with COPD and the desired outcomes. A root cause analysis implies that the existing care may not effectively address lung function values and readmission rates. Including nutritional interventions suggests a gap in the current approach to addressing the nutritional needs of COPD patients (Calvillo-Arbizu et al., 2021). The gap implies that the current practices may not sufficiently focus on optimizing the diet and nutritional intake to improve lung function and reduce readmissions. Inadequate home management due to increased COPD patients and readmissions caused a significant performance gap (Press et al., 2019).

As per the project charter, inadequate nutritional knowledge, delay in timely follow-ups, and failure to identify care needs also referred to significant performance gaps. Patients lack access to adequate emergency services and experience longer wait times. The absence of any disease management program or specialized care services available for COPD patients causes a lack of awareness of COPD management techniques, including dietary considerations and other therapies, leading to readmissions (Press et al., 2019). Wong et al. (2022) indicated that the gap in the proposed project lies in the need to address the limitations or shortcomings of current practices in caring for in-patients diagnosed with COPD. The project aims to explore and compare nutritional and telehealth interventions to bridge this gap, improve lung function values, and reduce readmission rates in COPD patients.

A QI/QP Framework that Will Support and Guide the Project

To support and guide the project aimed at improving the care for in-patients diagnosed with COPD, a QI/QP framework can be utilized. Such a framework like PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) model provides a structured approach to identifying, implementing, and measuring the effectiveness of interventions. Several key accomplishments would be necessary to meet the project objectives and outcomes. Burkes et al. (2018) discussed the impact of quality improvement on COPD patients and used the PDSA model to guide COPD patients in correct pneumococcal immunization. The pre-intervention COPD patients were compared with post-intervention, which indicated adequate awareness and improved patient clinical visits for pulmonary function testing.

Conducting a literature review, developing study design and protocol development, and implementing the nutritional and telehealth interventions can help meet project objectives through the PDSA model. Collecting relevant data on COPD patients on lung function values and readmission rates before and after the implementation of the intervention can also help significantly (White, 2020). The data involve utilizing standardized assessment tools, medical records, patient surveys, and other appropriate data sources. Assess the impact of nutritional and telehealth interventions on lung function values and readmission rates (White, 2020). Compare the outcomes achieved with the desired outcomes stated in