• TS: – 5 Sure-Fire Methods: Complying with Standard LD.04.04.03  [REF: JCSC, LDR, PI] The Source, December 2012, Vol 10, #12, Pg 2  [®]

LD.04.04.03 requires that new or modified services or processes be well designed

1 Gather appropriate data (including literature, other evidence-based sources, and relevant persons)
2 Involve front-line staff in decision making (especially those with direct, hands-on experience with the patients, programs or processes involved in the change)
3 Seek input from patients (their experience with the old and stake in the new makes their perspective especially important)
4 Monitor progress before and after implementation (It is important to have baselines and the ability to determine/measure if implemented changes have truly brought about improvement)
5 Keep records throughout the design or redesign process (Such records are valuable references during the change process and later for survey purposes)

While these points are all consistent with basic principles of performance improvement, it should be noted that reference is made to ‘robust process improvement’… a concept Quality Managers and other leaders are encouraged to be/become familiar with for its problem-solving and survey management potential.

TIP: JCSC and LDR should ensure that these 5 points are considered (especially in the planning phase) and practiced in all future improvement projects.  Also use them to help identify which improvement projects to showcase during survey