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 SLPs
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 SLPs 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
speech-language pathology was believed to be relatively
"risk free." However, due to our expanded scope of
practice, the increased contact of members of our profession with
persons with infectious diseases, and the demands of consumers
for safe and infection-free environments, SLPs 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 SLP and 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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