Project Pulse

General Class Information

Project Manager’s Name (Student):

Demario Stackhouse

Executive Vice President (Instructor):

Dr. Tim White

Date:

May 27 2025

Your Title Selection & Healthcare Setting: High-Level Overview

Primary Healthcare Title

Nursing Home Administrator

Primary Healthcare Setting (Specific)

Skilled Nursing Facility

Primary Healthcare Setting’s Name (Fictitious)

Beyond Blessed Nursing Home

Location:

Bowie, MD

Geographic Area Type:

The Beyond Blessed nursing home is located in the charming town of Bowie, MD nestled in the suburban region, which boasts a population of 25,000 residents, with approximately 20% aged 65 and older (Maplewood City Council, 2023). The area is known for its vibrant community and a median household income of $60,000, reflecting a diverse socio-economic landscape that supports various healthcare services (Green Valley Economic Development, 2023). With a rich cultural tapestry, including a significant Hispanic population, Oakwood Haven offers tailored programs to meet the unique preferences of its residents (Maplewood Cultural Affairs Office, 2023).

Geographic Population Size:

25,000 residents

Geographic Region:

Northeast

Primary Project. Business Investment Project (BIP) & BIP Definition

My selected BIP is Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH). IBH involves the incorporation of behavioral health services into traditional healthcare settings to provide more holistic and coordinated care (AHRQ, 2021). In long-term care settings, residents often experience depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline that goes untreated due to limited mental health support. IBH in nursing homes can improve residents’ quality of life, reduce psychotropic medication use, and support staff in managing behavioral challenges. I selected this BIP because mental and emotional well-being are critical to the overall health of elderly residents, and integration can address long-standing care gaps.

BIP Sub-Industry

For the BIP sub-industry, I selected Digital Health Solutions. This includes telepsychiatry, electronic health records with behavioral health components, and digital screening tools. Digital health is increasingly vital in SNFs, where on-site mental health professionals are limited. Leveraging digital platforms allows for timely consultations, ongoing monitoring, and better interdisciplinary communication. This sub-industry complements the IBH model and supports the operational efficiency and care quality goals of long-term care administrators.

Create Your Healthcare Ecosystem Profile

Your Healthcare Ecosystem Profile Example:

DeMario J. Stackhouse

Executive Director/Administrator

Beyond Blessed Skilled Nursing Home

Bowie, MD

Project: Long Term Care/Skilled Nursing Home

Your Primary Healthcare Setting & BIP Selection Overview

Beginning Framework: Each Section I response can be revised during the course.

1.0

Primary Healthcare Setting Services

1.Preventive Care Services: Preventive care plays a crucial role in health promotion and disease prevention. This service includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, screenings (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer screenings), and health education to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and identify potential health issues early (Basu et al., 2019). Regular preventive care can lead to early detection of diseases and significantly reduce the burden of chronic illnesses (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2021).

2. Chronic Disease Management: Many patients live with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma. A primary healthcare setting can offer tailored management programs that encompass regular monitoring, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and education. This comprehensive approach is essential for helping patients control their conditions and improve their quality of life (Gonzalez et al., 2020). Effective chronic disease management can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs (Wagner et al., 2001).

3. Mental Health Services: Integrating mental health services into primary care provides a holistic approach to patient health. This integration may include counseling, therapy sessions, and support for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Primary care providers can also facilitate referrals to specialized mental health professionals when necessary, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care (Druss & Walker, 2011).

1.1

Primary Healthcare Setting Size and/or Volume

1. Number of Beds:

- Total: 120 beds designed for skilled nursing care, accommodating both short-term rehabilitation and long-term residents (Harrington et al., 2020).

2. Clinics:

- Average: 1-2 specialized clinics within the facility, such as a rehabilitation clinic and a geriatric clinic.

3. Exam Rooms:

- Average: 4-6 exam rooms equipped for routine assessments and specialty consultations.

4. Patient Care Areas:

- Average: 4-5 dedicated patient care areas, including common areas for dining, activities, and therapy sessions.

5. Daily Census:

- Average: 100-120 residents present daily, with the facility operating close to full capacity.

6. Number of Patients Seen:

- Average: 30-50 patients seen daily for medical assessments, therapy sessions, and routine check-ups.

7. Number of Clients Served:

- Average: 200-250 clients served weekly, including new admissions and ongoing care for current residents.

8. Number of Consumers Served:

- Average: 1,200-1,500 consumers annually, which encompasses both current residents and those transitioning in and out of the facility (CMS, 2021).

Physical Plant Considerations

1. Square Footage:

- Entire Setting: Average 40,000-60,000 square feet, designed to accommodate long-term care needs.

- Departments:

- Patient Rooms: Approximately 20,000 sq. ft. (including private and semi-private rooms).

- Rehabilitation and Therapy Areas: 5,000-10,000 sq. ft.

- Common Areas (dining, lounges, activities): 5,000-8,000 sq. ft.

- Administrative Areas: 3,000-5,000 sq. ft.

2. Facility Layout:

- A well-structured layout that allows for easy access to patient rooms, therapy areas, and common spaces. Considerations for mobility aids and safety features should be integrated throughout the facility.

3. Storage Capacity:

- Adequate storage for medical supplies, equipment, and resident belongings, with approximately 1,000-2,000 sq. ft. designated for these purposes.

4. Parking Facilities:

- Sufficient parking space for staff, visitors, and residents, typically accommodating 50-75 vehicles, ensuring easy access for families and caregivers.

5. Technology and Equipment:

- Investment in electronic health records (EHR) systems, telehealth capabilities, and specialized medical equipment to enhance care delivery and operational efficiency.

These figures and considerations offer a detailed overview of a 120-bed Skilled Nursing Home Facility, ensuring it meets the needs of residents while promoting a supportive and caring environment.

1.2

Primary Healthcare Setting Stakeholders

1. Families of Residents:

Families play a crucial role as external stakeholders in a skilled nursing home. They are often involved in the decision-making process regarding the care and well-being of their loved ones. Families provide emotional support and are key advocates for the residents, ensuring that their needs are met and that they receive appropriate care (Kane et al., 2018). Engaging families in care planning can enhance satisfaction and improve the overall quality of care delivered in the facility (Gaugler et al., 2019).

2. Healthcare Providers:

External healthcare providers, such as physicians, specialists, and rehabilitation therapists, are vital stakeholders in a skilled nursing home setting. They collaborate with nursing home staff to ensure comprehensive care for residents, particularly those with complex medical needs. Effective communication and coordination between primary care providers and nursing home staff can lead to better health outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions (Harris et al., 2020). Establishing strong relationships with external healthcare providers can help the facility maintain high-quality care standards.

3. Regulatory Agencies:

Regulatory agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state health departments, are essential external stakeholders that oversee the operation and quality of skilled nursing facilities. These agencies set standards for care, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with regulations, impacting facility operations and funding (CMS, 2021). Regular communication and adherence to regulatory requirements are crucial for maintaining licensure and funding, as well as for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

1.3

Local ECOS Health System Services

1. Acute Care Hospitals:

Nearby acute care hospitals provide essential emergency and specialized medical services, including surgical interventions and critical care. Collaboration with these hospitals can enhance patient outcomes by ensuring timely access to advanced medical care when nursing home residents require hospitalization (Weinberg et al., 2019). The skilled nursing home could establish transfer protocols and communication channels with the hospital to facilitate seamless transitions, thereby reducing the risk of hospital readmissions and improving overall patient care.

2. Rehabilitation Centers:

Rehabilitation centers that focus on physical, occupational, and speech therapy are vital resources for residents recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. These centers can provide specialized therapeutic services that the skilled nursing home may not offer on-site. By partnering with nearby rehabilitation centers, the nursing home can enhance its service offerings and support residents' recovery processes (Miller et al., 2020). This collaboration can also facilitate coordinated care plans, ensuring that rehabilitation goals are met effectively.

3. Home Health Services:

Home health agencies provide in-home care, including nursing, physical therapy, and personal care services. These services can complement the skilled nursing home’s offerings, particularly for residents transitioning to home after a stay or those requiring ongoing support. By establishing relationships with home health agencies, the nursing home can ensure a continuum of care that promotes independence and quality of life for residents post-discharge (Bodenheimer & Berry-Millett, 2009). This collaboration can enhance the ecosystem design by providing a smooth transition for residents back to the community.

Utilization for Enhanced Ecosystem Design

By integrating these external facilities and services into the ecosystem design of the skilled nursing home, several benefits can be achieved:

Improved Care Coordination: Proving clear communication and care pathways with acute care hospitals and rehabilitation centers can reduce fragmentation of care, ensuring that residents receive comprehensive services tailored to their needs.

Enhanced Recovery Support: Collaborating with rehabilitation centers allows for targeted therapy interventions that can improve residents' functional abilities, thereby enhancing their overall recovery and quality of life.

Continuity of Care: By leveraging home health services, the skilled nursing home can provide a continuum of care that supports residents during transitions from facility-based care to home, reducing the likelihood of readmissions and promoting better health outcomes.

1.4

BIP Selection. Criteria 1.

The criterion of **care coordination** is crucial for ensuring that patients receive seamless transitions between different levels of care, particularly for residents in a skilled nursing home facility. Effective care coordination addresses gaps in communication, reduces the risk of hospital readmissions, and enhances overall patient outcomes (Weinberg et al., 2019).

By selecting a Business Improvement Plan (BIP) focused on enhancing care coordination within the skilled nursing home, the facility can implement standardized protocols for communication with external stakeholders such as acute care hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This approach can streamline referral processes, ensure timely access to necessary medical services, and provide continuity of care that meets each resident's individual needs (Bodenheimer & Berry-Millett, 2009). Furthermore, evidence suggests that improved care coordination can lead to better health outcomes and greater patient satisfaction, as residents experience a more integrated and supportive care environment (Miller et al., 2020).

1.5

BIP Selection. Criteria 2.

The criterion of access to care is integral to the mission of the ECOS Health System, which aims to enhance healthcare delivery by improving accessibility, quality, and cost containment through a sustainable ecosystem model. By selecting a Business Improvement Plan (BIP) that targets enhanced access to care for residents in a skilled nursing home facility, the initiative can directly address barriers that prevent residents from receiving timely and appropriate medical services (Bodenheimer & Berry-Millett, 2009).

This BIP could involve establishing stronger partnerships with local healthcare providers, creating streamlined referral processes, and improving transportation options for residents needing external services. Evidence suggests that improving access not only enhances patient satisfaction but also leads to better health outcomes and reduced overall healthcare costs by minimizing unnecessary hospitalizations (Weinberg et al., 2019). By aligning this BIP with the organizational problem statement and project scope of ECOS Health System, the skilled nursing home can contribute to a more integrated and efficient healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes patient-centered care while ensuring sustainability and cost effectiveness (Miller et al., 2020).

1.6

Primary Project Summary. 1st Draft

Your Healthcare Setting’s Goal & Value Proposition Statement.

Proposed Goal

The goal of Beyond Blessed Skilled Nursing Home is to enhance access to quality healthcare services for residents while improving care coordination and reducing hospital readmissions through a sustainable ecosystem model.

Value Proposition Statement

At Beyond Blessed Skilled Nursing Home, we provide a seamless and integrated care experience that prioritizes the health and well-being of our residents. By enhancing access to essential healthcare services and fostering strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, we ensure that our residents receive timely, high-quality care that meets their individual needs. Our commitment to effective care coordination reduces hospital readmissions, enhances patient satisfaction, and contributes to a sustainable healthcare ecosystem, ultimately benefiting residents, families, and the broader community (Weinberg et al., 2019; Bodenheimer & Berry-Millett, 2009).