How you might apply the project management approaches

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Consider how you might apply the project management approaches examined this week to address the quality improvement practice gap you identified.
Think about how you might develop SMART objectives for the planning and execution of a project to address the quality improvement practice gap you identified.
Utilize the Walden University writing center setting SMART goals academic guide to develop your goals. This resource includes the SMART goal criteria, example goals, and a template for you to develop your own academic, professional, and personal SMART goals. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/academic-skills-center/success-strategies/mindset-wellness/smart-goals
Consider any other project management approaches or activities you might recommend using for your project that will address the quality improvement practice gap you identified.
The Assignment: (2–3 pages)

Briefly describe the quality improvement practice gap you identified in your nursing practice or organization. Be specific.
Develop at least two SMART objectives you might apply in the project planning phase or execution phase to address the quality improvement practice gap you identified.
Recommend at least two project management activities you would use for your project, addressing the quality improvement practice gap you identified. Explain your justification for why these activities would provide the best support. Be specific and provide examples.

Sample Solution

Applying Project Management to Address a Quality Improvement Gap

Quality Improvement Gap:

In this example, let’s consider a common quality improvement gap in nursing practice: handoff communication between nurses during shift changes. Inconsistent or incomplete handoff information can lead to patient safety issues and medication errors.

SMART Objectives:

  1. Planning Phase: Improve the clarity and completeness of handoff information by 20% within 3 months, as measured by a standardized handoff assessment tool.
    • Specific: Clearly defines the desired outcome (improved handoff information) and the target audience (nurses).
    • Measurable: Quantifies the improvement target (20%) and establishes a measurement tool (standardized assessment).
    • Attainable: A 20% improvement within 3 months is realistic with focused effort.
    • Relevant: Addresses the identified quality gap and patient safety concerns.
    • Time-bound: Sets a specific timeframe for achieving the improvement (3 months).
  2. Execution Phase: Increase nurse participation in handoff communication training by 80% within 2 months, as documented by attendance records.
    • Specific: Focuses on nurse participation in handoff training.
    • Measurable: Quantifies the participation target (80%) and uses attendance records as a metric.
    • Attainable: An 80% participation increase is achievable through targeted promotion and scheduling.
    • Relevant: Improved training directly addresses the quality gap.
    • Time-bound: Sets a timeframe for achieving participation increase (2 months).

Project Management Activities:

  1. Form a Quality Improvement Team: Assemble a team of nurses, including representatives from different shifts and experience levels. This team will collaborate on developing and implementing the project plan.
    • Justification: A multi-disciplinary team leverages diverse perspectives and fosters ownership among nurses directly impacted by the improvement efforts.
  2. Develop a Standardized Handoff Tool: Create a standardized handoff form or checklist that ensures all critical patient information is consistently communicated during shift changes. Pilot test the tool with a small group of nurses and refine it based on feedback.
    • Justification: A standardized tool promotes clear and comprehensive information exchange during handoffs, reducing the risk of missed details or miscommunication.

Additional Considerations:

  • Data Collection and Analysis: Regularly collect data using the standardized assessment tool and attendance records to monitor progress towards SMART objectives.
  • Communication and Feedback: Communicate project updates and progress reports to nurses. Gather feedback throughout the project to ensure initiatives remain relevant and address evolving needs.
  • Sustainability: Develop a plan to integrate the improved handoff practices into routine nursing workflows after the project’s execution phase. This might involve incorporating handoff training into onboarding programs and conducting periodic audits to ensure continued adherence to the standardized tool.

By applying project management approaches and setting SMART objectives, nurses can effectively address quality improvement gaps in their practice. This example demonstrates how focusing on clear communication training, standardized tools, and a collaborative team approach can lead to measurable improvements in patient safety and care delivery.

 

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