People die each year of cardiac related health problems. Some die of heart attacks and others of congestive heart failure and so forth. This research proposal highlights five peer reviewed journal articles that show how to improve, step-by-step, the infrastructure of a hospital cardiac program. Quantitative data from the studies along with in-hospital data will reveal the need for quality improvement as well as how successful certain methods are when implemented among specific populations. Information was gathered through the search engine Google Scholar and PubMed. All articles are less than four years old and reveal ways to not just improve the safety and care of patient’s but also how to improve surgical outcomes and enhance IT infrastructure, all of which are essential to running a great hospital cardiac program.
Introduction
Several patients in (Hospital Name) have come in complaining of cardiac related health problems. Some have had issues with cardiothoracic surgery from Redo-Sternotomy, Stage 1 Elephant Trunk Procedures. The mission of any hospital or healthcare facility is to create a healthcare program that facilitates patient rehabilitation and recovery as well as provide an excellent quality of care. Several hospitals have improved their quality of care programs with some focusing on cardiac problems and cardiac surgery. The (Hospital Name) has ensured quality of care for its patients for decades, yet there is always room for improvement.
This research proposal will focus on five key areas where the cardiac program can improve upon. The in depth literature review will explain these areas: cardiac rehabilitation, ensuring quality and patient safety, and so forth through peer reviewed journal articles and studies done within the last four years. The articles will not only highlight proven and effective methods of improvement, but will also yield valuable insight on potential problems facing an improvement endeavor such as this.
Many patients with cardiac problems suffer from stroke and while in the hospital can experience re-intubation complications and nosocomial infections. That is why patient safety is a part of an excellent quality of care model and will be heavily emphasized throughout this research proposal. Additionally, patients often have cardiac problems because of poor diet and lack of exercise. Explaining a succinct and concise post-operative eating and exercise plan can be a great addition to any cardiac program.
Problems Statement
Based on the above discussion, it is potentially viable to ascertain a two-fold problem that will function as a point of retreat for the current examination. As has been noted in the introduction and is elucidated in the later review of literature section, one problematic area is the fact that many patients face numerous hurdles that can influence their overall state of health. Some adults are able to overcome such obstacles through self-learning or nurse and doctor information, while others find themselves less well prepared to manage with such trepidations. The second problem area comprises of better understanding of why some patients are quick to learn while others do not as this can be applied to improving the very important aspect of health programs, patient safety and well-being.
Purpose
1. To build a best-in-class hospital cardiac program quality infrastructure.
2. To improve patient safety and patient knowledge.
3. To improve patient rehabilitation and recovery.
4. To minimize surgical complications.
Hypotheses
Based on a review of literature discussed later in this proposal, two major hypothesis areas will direct the exploration of data. First, it is hypothesized that surgical complications can be minimized through proper staff training, including improvement in hand hygiene and procedure guidelines. Patients who report a high degree of complications or infections will tend to have lower insights of higher self-directed enthusiasm leading to an increase in complications and mortality. However, research based approaches will allow for medical staff to reduce likelihood of complications and infection and in the case of such occurrence happening can educate the patient in reducing such instances while leading patients to improved cardiac rehabilitation. Secondly, it is hypothesized that subjects from a community sample will tend to establish higher self-directed enthusiasm than experiencing prolonged hospital stays. And finally, improvement in IT infrastructure will result in increased readiness and ability to handle patients more efficiently and effectively.
Definition of Key Terms
Cardiac cycle – complete heartbeat consisting of contraction & relaxation of both atria & both ventricles
Cardiac output – volume pumped from one ventricle in 1 minute; usually measured from the left ventricle
Conduction myofibers – cardiac muscle cells specialized for conducting action potentials to the myocardium; part of the conduction system of the heart; also called purkinje fibers
Diastole – relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle; opposite of systole
Semilunar valve – valve between a ventricle of the heart and the vessel that carries blood away from the ventricle; also pertains to the valves in veins (Tubaro & European Society of Cardiology, 2011, p. Appendix).
Stroke volume – volume of blood ejected from one ventricle during one contraction; normally about 70 milliliters
Systole – contraction phase of the cardiac cycle; opposite of diastole
Review of Literature
Cardiac Rehabilitation
In an article by Grace et al., the authors discuss the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) and its implementation of the Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan recommendation to construct information substructure, through its Data Dictionary and Quality Indicator (QI) project. “CCS selected cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and secondary prevention as a content area for QI development. In accordance with the CCS QI Best Practice Methodology, rapid reviews of the literature were conducted” (Grace et al., 2014, p. 945). Their endeavor to implement such recommendations helps lend vital information on ways to augment the hospital cardiac program. More often than not, hospitals fail to recognize specific needs of care in regards to cardiac rehabilitation. They simply perform procedures and send the patients home after some recuperation. However, patients need more in terms of rehabilitation than traditionally anticipated.
“A long list of 37 QIs, in the areas of structure, process and outcome were developed. Through an online survey, 26 (42%) of all contacted external experts rated each QI on importance, scientific acceptability, and feasibility, using a 7-point scale. The overall mean rating was 5.4±1.4” (Grace et al., 2014, p. 945). Input from the community in the study revealed some key points pertaining to rehabilitation. These key points consisted of five requested QIs by CCS, which are: “(1) Inpatients referred to CR, (2) wait times from referral to CR enrollment, (3) Patient self-management education, (4) Increase in exercise capacity, and (5) Emergency response strategy” (Grace et al., 2014, p. 945). Information conversion undertakings are now happening to encourage employment of the QIs since these are not only commonly requested but also necessary to improve the health of patients.
Patient self-management is an important part of long-term rehabilitation. For cardiac programs to provide excellent quality of care, this area must be well developed. Patient education can be the most powerful tool for recovery and as shown in the article, very requested. Patients want to take care of themselves and possesses the knowledge to do so. Therefore any successful cardiac program must incorporate this.
Ensuring Quality and Patient Safety
In an article by Elliot, the author seeks to improve quality assurance and patient safety. The author highlights several ways hospitals may behave poorly in terms of behavior towards patients. “Hospitals may fail to use information correctly in several ways; inappropriate collection, poor validation, lack of appropriate analysis and the absence of transparency” (Elliott, 2012, p. 5). Many times hospitals are understaffed or handle an excess of cases and the quality of care diminishes. This cannot happen in a cardiac program and must be avoided.
Elliot explains another hurdle in achieving excellent quality of care is funding. “Purchasers and users of care can drive the demand for better data, but the underlying infrastructure requires adequate funding” (Elliott, 2012, p. 5). Often time’s hospitals need adequate funding to promote the necessary research and implementation of guidelines to avoid poor patient care. It is important to note such difficulties to better manage them.
Quality control is a great method of improving hospital care and performance. “…quality control offers faster, more effective improvement through the transformation cycle. The technology available to us now gives us fresh and exciting opportunities to engage” (Elliott, 2012, p. 5). Technology should be at the forefront of any improvement protocol. As technology increases by leaps and bounds, quality care should be augmented along this avenue. Hardware and software are key parts of such improvements.
Summary
Methodology
Study Setting
Research Design
Population and Sampling Plan
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis
Concluding Remarks
Significance
Limitations
References
Elliott, M.J. (2012). The role of information in ensuring quality and patient safety. Progress in Pediatric Cardiology, 33(1), 5-10. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1058981311000853
Grace, S.L., Poirier, P., Norris, C.M., Oakes, G.H., Somanader, D.S., & Suskin, N. (2014). Pan-Canadian Development of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Quality Indicators Endorsed by the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 30(8), 945-948. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0828282X14002335
Guillamondegui, O.D., Gunter, O.L., Hines, L., Martin, B.J., Gibson, W., Clarke, C., Cecil, W.T. (2012). Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative to Improve Surgical Outcomes. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 214(4), 709-714. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1072751511013287
IEEE Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training, & IEEE Computer Society. (2011). Educating software engineers of the future: Software quality research through problem-based learning. In CSEE&T 2011: Proceedings (pp. 91-100). Los Alamitos, California: IEEE.
Naydenova, I., & White, B. (2013). Enhancing the IT Infrastructure at Saint Philip’s Hospital: Point-Of-Care Solutions. Information Systems Education Journal, 11(5), 35-49. Retrieved from http://isedj.org/2013-11/N5/ISEDJv11n5p35.html
Tubaro, M., & European Society of Cardiology. (2011). The ESC textbook of acute and intensive cardiac care. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?
Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.
Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.
Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.
Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!
While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.
Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.
In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.
Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.
We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!
We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.
Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.
We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.
Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.
There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.
Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.
We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.
You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.
We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.
You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.
Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.
You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.
The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.
GET A PERFECT SCORE!!! 
Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.
You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.
Read moreEach paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.
Read moreThanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.
Read moreYour email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.
Read moreBy sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.
Read more