Having a well-qualified and adequate medical staff is crucial for medical facilities, especially in managing conditions like diabetes. At Mercy Medical Center, the level of staffing proves to be a critical factor that impacts the achievement of recommended diabetes test benchmarks. Difficulties in recruiting and keeping qualified medical professionals may result in a shortage of trained individuals responsible for conducting vital diabetes tests (Drake et al., 2020). This shortage can cause delays in the medical center’s ability to meet national benchmarks, affecting the timely and effective management of diabetes among patients. Addressing challenges related to staffing is essential for ensuring that medical facilities can consistently provide the necessary care and meet the established standards for diabetes testing.
Consequences of Benchmark Non-Compliance
Not reaching set benchmarks in healthcare organizations, as seen in the Mercy Medical Center data, has significant consequences affecting care quality, patient outcomes, and the institution’s reputation. Especially in HgbA1c and foot exams, missing benchmarks can result in delayed diagnoses, worsening health issues, higher healthcare costs, and lower patient satisfaction (Kundury & Hathur, 2020). This failure impacts both the clinical and operational aspects of the organization. In the regulated healthcare environment, falling short of benchmarks can lead to legal and regulatory challenges. The underlying assumption in this analysis suggests that improving benchmark performance is linked to better care quality, improved patient outcomes, a stronger organizational reputation, and the establishment of a sustainable healthcare system. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is vital for healthcare organizations to provide high-quality care, satisfy patient needs, and maintain a positive reputation within the healthcare community.
Mercy Medical Center faces a challenge in meeting benchmarks for diabetes care, specifically in foot examinations and HgbA1c tests, with a benchmark under 45, contrasting with a higher national standard. Following the national benchmark aligns with the goal of offering better patient care, leading to improved outcomes by controlling foot ulcers and managing glycemic levels. The interprofessional team at Mercy Medical Center plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care, as seen in the observed underperformance in the dashboard from 2019 to 2020. Efficient training and adherence to National Healthcare Quality and Disparity Report (NHQDR) guidelines can significantly contribute to improved performance in conducting necessary pre-diagnosis tests (AHRQ, 2021) (Keller et al., 2022). The consequences of benchmark underperformance go beyond impacting community trust; they also affect funding and patient access to care (Khan et al., 2021). Implementing evidence-based practices presents a substantial opportunity to enhance quality, performance, and health outcomes, addressing the challenges faced by Mercy Medical Center in diabetes care.
A key area of improvement identified in the Mercy Medical Center dataset centers around the low rate of foot exams. These exams are crucial for detecting early signs of foot complications in diabetes patients, and neglecting them can lead to severe health issues. Elevating the rate of foot exams to meet established benchmarks presents a significant opportunity for enhancing the well-being of diabetic patients (Kurz et al., 2022). Addressing the underperformance in foot exams emerges as a compelling strategy, promising not only improved quality of care but also better patient outcomes and substantial financial benefits. These improvements collectively contribute to an overall enhancement in Mercy Medical Center’s performance, reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive and effective healthcare for individuals with diabetes.
In assessing dashboard benchmarks at Mercy Medical Center, putting ethical actions at the forefront is crucial. Stakeholders, including therapists, clinicians, and nutritionists, need to follow the ethical code of healthcare practice to enhance high-quality patient care for diabetes control. Regardless of cultural diversity, transparency, fairness, and accountability are vital. Healthcare policies should be crafted to guide practices and ensure alignment with national benchmarks (Cooney & Kipperman, 2023). Taking a proactive approach, screenings for patients help address underperformance issues and uphold ethical standards. Ethical responsibility goes beyond diagnosis and treatment; it also emphasizes preventive measures, highlighting the importance of regular foot exams for diabetic patients. Sustainable actions involve establishing standardized protocols, implementing training programs, and monitoring performance to ensure accountability (Makokha et al., 2022). Guided by ethical principles, these actions empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and patient-centered care.
NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 1: Dashboard Metrics Evaluation Conclusion
In assessing how Mercy Medical Center performs against healthcare benchmarks in diabetes care, a crucial priority arises to improve patient outcomes and uphold the organization’s reputation. Addressing underperformance in benchmarks, especially in foot exams, stands as a key opportunity to enhance the quality of care and ensure the organization’s long-term success. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients and to establish sustained success for Mercy Medical Center. The focus on remedying underperformance in benchmarks reflects a commitment to ongoing improvement, ultimately benefiting both the organization and the individuals it serves. Also visit our site
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