Sample Quality Improvement Plan for Audiology
Purpose:
The Audiology Quality Improvement Plan provides a mechanism of
continuous improvement in care through ongoing monitoring and
evaluation of patient outcomes.
Goals/Objectives:
The QI plan is designed to improve patient outcomes through
refinement of the processes and systems. To accomplish this goal,
the following objectives have been identified:
-
To continuously monitor and
evaluate using predetermined indicators
-
To identify potential or
actual problems in care and to implement corrective
action
-
To evaluate the effectiveness
of corrective actions to ensure improvement or
resolution
-
To annually evaluate the scope
and effectiveness of the QI plan
-
To report QI activities and
findings to the QI committee (established at your facility)
Authority:
The responsibility for the QI plan lies with the director of
the clinic and the designated staff.
Monitoring and Evaluation Process:
The QI concept provides for staff members participating in
identifying important aspects of care and indicators; development
of standards of care/practice, policies, and procedures; problem
solving; and implementation of corrective action plans.
Scope of Service:
Audiology service provides screening, evaluation, and
treatment of children and adults with hearing and balance
problems. Major functions include evaluation of hearing and
balance disorders, education regarding hearing loss, and
rehabilitation of hearing problems through amplification.
Important Aspects of Care:
-
Patient Perspective Issues
(high volume, problem prone areas)
-
Safety of Environment (high
risk, high volume)
Clinical Indicators:
- Audiology service will receive a score of 90% or above on
the standardized patient satisfaction questionnaire (for
examples, go to the Health Resources and Services
Administration Web site). Threshold for action will be scores
below 90%. Methodology: Ten patients per month will be mailed
satisfaction questionnaires following their audiology visit.
Sampling method will be random.
- All used, nondisposable items (such as specula, impedance
tips, hearing aid dispensing items, and cerumen management
tools) will be disinfected as per the infection control policy
for the facility. (Expected performance is 100%.) Threshold for
action will be below 100%. Methodology: Daily entry in
log.
Reporting:
Reporting will be done on a monthly basis or as per the
standard operating procedure for the Quality Improvement program
for the facility. Reporting will include status of indicators,
sentinel events causing negative patient outcomes, resolved
problems, and issues for which there has been no resolution.
Annual Reporting:
An annual report will be prepared to indicate how the
clinic/facility plans to integrate the information obtained into
each QI study conducted.
Adapted from: Lynn, D., & Riquelme, L. F. (1997).
Q.I.-the easy way: A practical guide for developing quality
improvement programs. Glenmont, NY: New York State Speech-Language-Hearing
Association.
Return to Quality Improvement
Examples