Quality Improvement: Risk Management
What is risk management?
Risk management consists of a process to:
- identify actual risks and potential risks
- analyze these risks in terms of financial loss and legal
liability
- develop risk control techniques and systems
- implement those techniques and systems
- monitor their effectiveness
A risk management program should include: (a) safety and
security precautions; (b) infection control; (c) review of all
incidents and accidents; (d) prevention strategies; and (e)
education of both providers and consumers.
Example: A handbook of precautions, infection control, and prevention
strategies should be available in every work setting for all
audiologists and staff. Annual review of this handbook and
revision, when necessary, should be conducted with all employees,
and at the time of employment for new employees. These reviews
should be documented.
Why do audiologists need to be concerned about risk
management?
Risk management falls within the umbrella of QI. A QI program
may incorporate principles of risk management, using structure,
process, and outcome measures. Historically, the profession of
audiology was believed to be relatively "risk free."
However, due to an expanding scope of practice (e.g., cerumen
management), increased contact of audiologists with persons with
infectious diseases, and the demands of consumers for safe and
infection-free environments, audiologists must address risk
management. In addition, today's environment of heightened
security requires that all health care workers engage in risk
management activities to keep their patients and themselves
safe.
A risk management program adopts a proactive stance to prevent
harm and reduce financial loss and legal liability. Risk
management is the responsibility of every audiologist regardless
of work setting. A risk management program should be in place at
your facility and may be part of a QI program.
Example: It is more costly to have an employee on sick leave or
disability leave than it is to review safety precautions and
preventative strategies.
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