HLT 362V Topic 4 Discussion 2
Describe the difference between research and quality improvement. Provide a workplace example where qualitative and
... [Show More] quantitative research is applied and how it was used within your organization. When replying to peers, discuss how these research findings might be incorporated into another health care setting.
Answer
The design of some QI projects may be similar to clinical research but the focus and goals of the study differ. QI projects work to make the system better, more cost-effective, increase productivity, and create continual gains in an identified process. The QI project is directed to specific processes or practice within the organization and is intended to advance the operation of the system in the organizational environment. Because of the nature of QI studies, participant protections are more easily addressed. QI investigators in health care frequently collect primary data from volunteer participants using anonymous surveys. QI project teams stringently adhere to confidentiality of patient data. Because QI projects examine internal processes and work to generate solutions to process problems, the new knowledge generated is specific to that organization or system and not generalizable. QI projects have a limited audience. The project results are intended for individuals internal to the organization rather than the scientific community at large.
The hallmark of research is the process of generating new scientific knowledge. Whether the research has a quantitative or qualitative focus, it is characterized by a design to test a hypothesis or expand current knowledge. The products of research are focused in a way as to generalize to other similar patients and settings so the results are expected to be presented, published, or otherwise disseminated to consumers or the scientific community. The design of the research includes a scientific framework and control of variables. Because of benefits and risks inherent in research, proposals must be reviewed by an institutional review board (IRB) and approved before research begins.
QI provides steps to assess, plan, implement change, and evaluate results connected to an organizational process, which reflects an internal organizational concern. Research, on the other hand, is focused on gaining new knowledge, within a scientific framework (Reinhardt & Ray, 2003).
Examples of potential nursing research include conducting a systematic review of studies on preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), a randomized controlled trial exploring new wound care methods, and a qualitative study to investigate the lived experiences of patients with a specific chronic disease (Conner, 2014).
One example of qualitative research is patient satisfaction surveys as these include collecting data on nurse-doctor communication, nurse-patient communication, and pain management through survey questions. Throughout all of the hospitals I have worked, care is adjusted based on the survey results as the data collected supports quality measures reported to CMS. For example, the AIDET Model (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank) was roled out to address patient and family frustration with “not being kept in the loop on patient care issues”. Using AIDET increased patient and family satisfaction toward what was happening in the patients care and allowed the patient and family a voice in that care.
An example of quantitative research would be the data collected regarding operating room turnover times. This data is collected in minutes from the EMR and used to help evaluate operating room efficiency. This research is a part of almost every large operating room today. Collection of this data helps the OR and hospital to increase efficiency in procedural areas to improve patient, staff, and physician satisfaction as well as the bottom line of hospital revenues.
References:
Conner, B. T. (2014). Differentiating research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. American Nurse Today, 9,6. Retrieved from: https://www.americannursetoday.com/differentiating-research-evidence-based-practice-and-quality-improvement/
Reinhardt, A. C. & Ray, L. N. (2003). Differentiating quality improvement from research. Elsevier Science. Retrieved from: https://www.memorialcare.org/sites/default/files/media/Joy Goebel Research or QI May 2014.pdf [Show Less]