HQ001 Methods and Tools for Quality and Safety NURS 6231 Healthcare Systems and Quality Outcomes ​​​​​​​Personal Improvement Project

HQ001 Methods and Tools for Quality and Safety

NURS 6231 Healthcare Systems and Quality Outcomes

Personal Improvement Project

Improvement projects, characterized by their evolutionary nature, entail diverse approaches (Johnson & Sollecito, 2020). The process involves several steps, including defining objectives, data collection, analysis, adjustments, and implementation. This paper aims to delineate my personal improvement project, detailing the steps, data, and outcomes involved.

Aim

The objective of my personal improvement project is to augment my daily water intake to 56 ounces within four weeks. Over this period, I progressively increased my water consumption, setting weekly goals. Initially, I aimed to consume 32 ounces daily, incrementally increasing by 8 ounces each week. This gradual approach aimed to foster success and compliance. Before commencing the project, my water intake fluctuated between 8 to 40 ounces daily. Consistency in water intake is crucial due to the significant adverse effects of dehydration on physical and mental health (Rodger et al., 2023).

Process Analysis

To facilitate goal achievement, I developed a process map, examining the initiation of interventions within systems and processes (Antonacci et al., 2018). Initially, I acquired necessary supplies, including a water bottle for accurate measurement. I documented my progress daily in my planner, tracking water intake in ounces. Additionally, I enlisted family support, explaining my goals and seeking their assistance. Each week, I incrementally increased water intake, reaching 56 ounces daily by the fourth week. Subsequently, I evaluated daily and weekly goal attainment, analyzed barriers encountered, and determined necessary adjustments for success.

Measurement

To monitor progress, I utilized my monthly planner to record daily water intake. Given the complexity of my schedule, my planner remains readily accessible. I measured water consumption using a marked water bottle, ensuring accurate tracking without frequent refills.

Changes

The data illustrate a steady increase in water intake throughout the project. By setting weekly goals, I made the objective more manageable, celebrating smaller achievements to sustain motivation. The adoption of a large water bottle minimized refill concerns and positively contributed to goal attainment. To further enhance accessibility, I intend to purchase an additional water bottle for bedside use, facilitating consumption during mornings when time constraints impede intake.

Reflection

Reflecting on the project, I recognize the efficacy of breaking down overarching goals into manageable tasks. Additionally, I acknowledge the challenge of remembering to drink water consistently, which aligns with existing research highlighting this as a common barrier (Rodger et al., 2023). Moving forward, I aim to maintain a daily intake of at least 56 ounces, leveraging insights gained to optimize personal and professional endeavors.

Workplace Change Application

The project yields insights applicable to nursing practice at both unit and organizational levels. Quality improvement initiatives necessitate collaborative efforts to enhance patient outcomes and system performance (Johnson & Sollecito, 2020). At the unit level, manageable changes can be implemented among staff, fostering efficient management and care provision. Organization-level changes, albeit more complex, require meticulous planning and communication to ensure success (Nilsen et al., 2020). By breaking down goals into feasible targets and utilizing accessible data collection methods, quality improvement efforts can be streamlined and effectively implemented (Stausmire & Ulrich, 2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the personal improvement project not only enhanced water intake but also provided valuable insights into quality improvement endeavors. Realistic goal setting and efficient data collection are essential for project success (Stausmire & Ulrich, 2015), insights that will undoubtedly inform my future roles as a nurse leader.

References

References Antonacci, G., Reed, J. E., Lennox, L., & Barlow, J. (2018). The use of process mapping in healthcare quality improvement projects. Health Services Management Research, 31(2), 74-84. doi:10.1177/0951484818770411

Gadolin, C. (2017). The logics of healthcare–in quality improvement work. Gutenberg University. https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/51448