Quality/research project

[Kimmadsim]

I am fairly new to outpatient surgery or my hospital’s ambulatory surgery center ( after 30 + years as a medical Surgical nurse. I was asked to initiate a research project for quality improvement on an issue that our outpatient surgery center faces and implement that change. 
 

I have no idea of any research project I can do. We don’t have a high fall rate.  Our nurses satisfaction is very high.  Does anybody have any ideas?

[londonflo]

53 minutes ago, Kimmadsim said:

quality improvement on an issue that our outpatient surgery center faces

Shouldn't any research begin with an problem identified by those actually working in the area? Is a survey in order? 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Need to ask for a copy of last QI review to see what issues were noted, then select item for research + proposed change.

Ideas to spark your QI research:

How to Identify and Implement Quality Improvement Projects ...

Examples of Quality Improvement Projects in Overall Patient Care

Improving Patient Safety in Ambulatory Surgery Centers: A Resource List for Users of the AHRQ Ambulatory Surgery Center Survey on Patient Safety Culture

Healthcare Acquired Infections: In Outpatient Settings | HAI | CDC

Six Strategies for Improving Surgical Outcomes

CMS: Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program

Quote

Measures for the CY 2022 Payment Determination

• ASC-9 Endoscopy/Polyp Surveillance: Appropriate Follow-Up Interval for Normal Colonoscopy in Average Risk Patients
• ASC-11 Cataracts: Improvement in Patient’s Visual Function within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery*
• ASC-12 Facility 7-Day Risk-Standardized Hospital Visit Rate after Outpatient Colonoscopy**
• ASC-13 Normothermia
• ASC-14 Unplanned Anterior Vitrectomy
• ASC-17 Hospital Visits After Orthopedic Ambulatory Surgical Center Procedures**
• ASC-18 Hospital Visits After Urology Ambulatory Surgical Center Procedures**

 

Going Lean, Part 3: Improve Patient Wait Times

Quote

Perform a “waste walk.” “Our entire staff followed a mock patient throughout a clinical encounter and mea­sured wait times between value-added activities,”

 

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Talk to the staff, ask the manager what sh/he sees are issues.

The links above by NRSKarenRN are an excellent resource and great place to start.

This is a great way for you to get to know your new Unit.

Best of Luck