ANALYSIS OF EXISTING EVIDENCE, AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROCESS

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FOCUS PDCA model

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FOCUS PDCA model

I have selected the FOCUS PDCA model from Chapter 5 in the Spath (2018) textbook to apply to my practice problem for the Practice Experience Project. The FOCUS PDCA model is a quality improvement model that stands for Find, Organize, Clarify, Understand, and Select and follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle (Shamkhi et al., 2021).

Find: In this step, I will identify the specific problem or area for improvement in my practice. Clearly define the problem, collect data, and gather information about the current state of affairs related to the problem (Shamkhi et al., 2021).

Organize: This step involves organizing the data and information collected in the previous step. Analyze the data to identify patterns, root causes, and contributing factors (Shamkhi et al., 2021). This step helps in understanding the problem more deeply and identifying potential areas for improvement.

Clarify: Once I have analyzed the data and identified potential areas for improvement, it's essential to clarify my goals and objectives (Stan, 2018). What specific outcomes or changes do I want to achieve? Set clear, measurable, and achievable goals that will guide my improvement efforts.

Understand: This step involves developing a comprehensive understanding of the problem and its underlying causes (Stan, 2018). Conduct further analysis and research, gather input from relevant stakeholders, and consider different perspectives to understand the problem holistically.

Select: In the final step, I will select the most appropriate improvement strategies or interventions based on my analysis and understanding of the problem. Identify potential solutions, evaluate their feasibility and impact, and select the best action (Stan, 2018).

After completing the FOCUS steps, I will enter the PDCA cycle:

Plan: Develop a detailed plan for implementing the selected improvement strategies (Shamkhi et al., 2021). Define the specific actions to be taken, allocate resources, and establish a timeline for implementation.

Do: Execute the plan by implementing the identified improvement strategies. This may involve making changes to processes, procedures, or policies or introducing new interventions (Shamkhi et al., 2021).

Check: Monitor and measure the outcomes of the implemented changes (Stan, 2018). Collect data and evaluate whether the desired improvements have been achieved. Compare the results to the goals and objectives set in the Clarify step.

Act: Based on the evaluation in the Check step, take appropriate action. If the desired outcomes have been achieved, standardize the improvements and communicate the results. If the desired outcomes have not been achieved, analyze the reasons for the shortfall, adjust the plan, and repeat the PDCA cycle (Stan, 2018).

By following the FOCUS PDCA model, I will systematically analyze my practice problem, develop a clear understanding of the underlying issues, set specific goals, select appropriate improvement strategies, and implement and evaluate the changes. This model provides a structured approach to continuous quality improvement, helping me make data-driven decisions and achieve sustainable improvements in my practice.

References

Shamkhi, F. N., Salman, A. M., & Ismaeel, M. (2021). Impact of quality costs on FOCUS-PDCA model in improving the quality of health services.  Kut University College Journal for Humanitarian Science,  2(1), 103-122.

Stan, L. (2018). Quality Management In Healthcare. Performance Improvement.  Manager (University of Bucharest, Faculty of Business & Administration),  27.