Here are the three keys to ensuring initiatives lead to improvement.
1. Investigate root causes. Take a systematic approach to identifying problems and understanding their root causes before implementing any solutions. Hand hygiene non-compliance, for instance, has many root causes that each require a targeted solution.
2. Validate solutions for improvement. Verify solutions actually cause improvements, not just changes. Conduct a baseline measurement of how well the current process is performing and collect data again after solutions are implemented. Continue collecting data on your process in order to maintain those improvements and catch future problems.
3. Provide support through senior leadership. Despite a fast-paced healthcare environment, senior leadership must remain patient with improvement teams. This way, issues can be resolved the first time rather than confronted every few years. Because staff members who implement solutions might be resistant to change, senior leadership should help them manage those changes and provide support throughout the project.
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