This paper addresses the concern for qualityassurance in health care through focusing on the standards that have emerged from the Education and Training Act of 1999 in the United Kingdom, with an emphasis on its impact on the practices of nursing and mid
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses the concern for qualityassurance in health care through focusing on the standards that have emerged from the Education and Training Act of 1999 in the United Kingdom, with an emphasis on its impact on the practices of nursing and midwifery via the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Tags: NURSING, HEALTHCARE / HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE ISSUES, qualityassurance health
This paper addresses the concern for qualityassurance in health care through focusing on the standards that have emerged from the Education and Training Act of 1999 in the United Kingdom.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses the concern for qualityassurance in health care through focusing on the standards that have emerged from the Education and Training Act of 1999 in the United Kingdom, with an emphasis on its impact on the practices of nursing and midwifery via the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Tags: NURSING, HEALTHCARE / HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE ISSUES, qualityassurance health
Abstract This paper describes the research and statistical analysis of a problem experienced at a hypothetical automobile manufacturing plant. The author examines two alternative approaches to to qualityassurance and selects one for implementation.
From the Paper "An automobile manufacturing company located in the United States faced a problem related to product quality in relation to the introduction of anew model to the production line. The added work and new design issues required a change in quality assurance procedures to make sure that important factors were not overlooked across models. Quality assurance managers formulated two alternative approaches to quality assurance and it was necessary to select one of the methods for implementation. "
Abstract This paper examines the effect that qualityassurance has on increasing airline safety, specifically as to the business development aspects of an airline. The paper focuses on Singapore Airlines and predicts that the implementation of a multi-faceted qualityassurance program will lead to increased airline safety at multiple levels. The paper then analyzes these predictions and the issues involved in airline safety.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Defining QualityAssurance Studying QualityAssurance in the Airline Industry
QualityAssurance Applied
Overview of the Industry
Singapore Airlines: Examples of QualityAssurance Success
Conclusion
From the Paper "The reason the Company Quality Approach is such an essential component to the quality assurance process in an airline business is because of the important role that employees have in creating quality assurance, flight safety and customer satisfaction. Because employees are not a machine and are in fact human, a purely industrial approach is not appropriate for managing the human element of quality assurance. Thus, as such companies as Singapore Airlines has figured out, a unique approach to quality assurance must be taken as to the employee and people aspect of running a quality airline. This unique approach is the Company Quality Approach and is an essential part of the human resources operation of any airline."
Abstract This paper looks at the consequences for the American health care system of managed care programs, the primary goals of managed care programs as seen from the health care service providers, and the recipients of managed care programs. The paper also looks at some the inherent ethical contradictions in managed care systems and whether patients can actually be assuredquality health care if the cost of that care is the primary consideration.
From the Paper "Whether we like it or not, managed care is a reality in the United States. Its existence is causing an axiomatic restructuring at all levels of the American health care system. HMO's (Health Maintenance Organizations), PPO's (Preferred Provider Organizations), and physician-hospital organizations have become essential to our current health care delivery system. (Phoon et al., 1996) As the trend in health care continues to move away from traditional plans, it is imperative that we focus on the validity of quality in the managed care system."
Abstract This paper discusses how QA in health care is an ever-growing topic as the nation continues to examine the health care industry and the standard of care that is being provided. The writer uses three sources to explain the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) method of quality control and assurance and explains why this method is one of the most reliable methods to ensure top-level success in the field of health care.
From the Paper "In recent years the health care industry has come under fire. Rising medical costs, grater expectations and consumer demand have all played a part in the current need to re-evaluate the field and be sure it is running at optimum capacity both in volume and delivery. Consumers who used to go with the flow will no longer allow hap hazard attempts at quality assurance and this growing demand has placed pressure on management professionals to provide quality assurance in the field. One management tool that is being utilized in this and other fields is the PDCA method. PDCA stands for Plan-Do-Check-Act theory."
Abstract This paper examines diagnostic x-ray imaging qualityassurance (QA) and quality control (QC). It defines QA and QC for diagnostic x-ray imaging and then discusses how this occurs within all areas of a radiology department. Lastly, the paper discusses the growth of qualityassurance in pediatric radiology. The paper contains tables and images.
Table of Contents:
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging QualityAssurance (QA)
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Control (QC)
Radiographic Unit Monitoring
Sensitometery and Darkroom Monitoring
Use of Technique Charts
Analysis of Repeat Rates
Continuing Education
Repeat Analysis
Timer Quality Control in Radiographic Equipment
Collimator Quality Control
Vertical Beam Alignment Quality Control
Collimation
Focal-spot Size
Fluoroscopy Quality Control
Automatic Exposure Systems
Tomography Quality Control
Ensuring QC in Conventional Radiographic Systems
Radiation Safety/QA Program
Test Frequency
Different Types of Tests and Duration
Growth of QualityAssurance in Pediatric Radiology
Exhibits
From the Paper "The various parameters to be checked under radiography are (i) assessment of the focal spot size which is the surface area of the anode which is bombarded by the electron beam. In case of radiography machine, it ranges from 0.1 to 1.2 mm or more than that. In case of mammo-machines the values are 0.3 to 0.6. The assessment of focal spot size is applied to get a X-ray image having the least blur. Small focal spot are likely to concentrate heat and emits load on focal spot areas. In case the quantity of heat emitted at the time of an individual exposure is more than the track capacity, the anode surface is liable to melt. Besides, the assessment of the focal spot size is necessary to compare it with the original focal spot size with that of the machine. Also spot size of any machine is stated on the top of the X-Ray tube. (Mukhtar, n. d.)"
Abstract This paper explains that Boeing, McDonald Douglas, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin, the present aircraft manufacturing industry major players, ensure that qualityassurance is performed at each and every stage of the manufacturing process because the implication and cost of not doing so are enormous. The author points out that qualityassurance is an important part of manufacturing spare parts for older planes and components for new airplanes. The paper relates that understanding variance and methods to control variance has helped the aerospace industry maintain high quality standards.
From the Paper "Quality-assurance issues made companies realize that they constantly had to improve the system in order to remain competitive and focus on their customer's needs. This requires long-term commitment from the organization's leaders. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on software solutions to manage and track their quality performance. Hamilton Sundstrand a supplier to Boeing was able to streamline and understand its processes using state of the art software and knowledgeable and trained workers. Understanding the importance of continuous improvement in the quality of the product can help organizations ensure that they will retain their market position and customer loyalty. Creating constancy of purpose towards improvement, strategy planning based on long-term goals of the organization can help focus the management's attention on quality issues. IAQG is also hoping that by identifying and conveying the best practices followed by industry leaders the industry as a whole can benefit."
Abstract The healthcare profession uses the term 'qualityassurance' to describe those methods used to monitor the outcomes of patient care activities, including the timely and accurate release of information. This paper provides a step-by-step analysis of how one particular qualityassurance monitor can be used to help improve patient healthcare outcomes, including the documentation required for this purpose, and graphic representations of how the process operates. A summary of the research is be provided in the conclusion.
Outline
Introduction
Review and Discussion
From the Paper "Financial and organizational strategies may inadvertently eliminate both needed and unneeded care as cost controls are introduced. Without quality monitoring, healthcare providers are unable to determine whether cost-control efforts are compromising quality. Therefore, quality assurance monitoring is an important tool for making optimal resource allocation decisions (Brook, Damberg, Ker & Mcglynn 1998). In their book, Ethics, Law and Medical Practice (1997), Kerry J. Breen, Stephen M. Cordner, and Vernon D. Plueckhahn note that the ethical concept of maintenance of confidentiality of information about patients was originally based on non-maleficence; in other words, the release of information could potentially do harm; however, the ethical concepts surrounding patient information is now clearly based on the principle of autonomy. "
Abstract This paper explains that business management must (1) define the ISO 9000 standards and its relationship to the business, (2) present conformance with the guidance standards, (3) evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of seeking quality system certification and (4) define the reasons for non-registration of a quality management system. The author suggests that management should assign to a person or a group the task of reviewing the ISO-9000 series of standards including all latest revisions to the plan. The paper relates that, based on data from other business models, the suggested methodology is confirmed as a workable process to institute compliance with qualityassurance and control in whatever portions of ISO-9000 are applicable Table of Contents Introduction and Importance of the Study Generic Management System Standards ISO - 9000 and ISO 14000 in Plain English What are the ISO Standards? What is Quality? Conformance and Guidance Standards Importance of Quality System Certification Reasons for Registration Elements of the Standard Keys to Identification The Year 2000 Revision of ISO - 9000 Available New Texts Discussion of Revisions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Review Of Related Literature Methodology Methodology as a Training Tool Methodology of a Transition Planning Guide Data Analysis Text References Internet References Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Given the global importance of the quality management system standards, many national standards bodies are already working on the translation issue. ISO itself will publish the new standards in English and French, but if national language translations of the standards are currently available from your National Standards Bode, we expect that they will have the translation of the revised standards ready at the time of publication by ISO or very soon thereafter. For further information contact your National Standards Body."
Abstract This paper discusses why nearly seventy-five percent of all information technology (IT) projects are unsuccessful. It looks at how Computerworld and other research typically identify reasons for failure as miscommunication, hazy goals, scope creep, inept leadership, and poor project management. However, it attempts to show that the extraordinary rate of setbacks is also attributable to other fundamental differences that exist between IT and non-IT projects. Beginning with project justification and continuing through planning, staffing, implementation, and qualityassurance, it examines how IT projects face more challenges and issues than do non-IT projects.
From the Paper "IT projects are subject to many implementation concerns that are not common to non-IT projects. First, long-term projects sometimes lead to systems being delivered for products and services that are longer in the use by the organization. Concepts of incremental delivery don?t always work because of data and design interdependencies (Lyytinen and Hirschheim, 1987). And, systems that are rushed to fast delivery often disappoint users because these systems have only a fraction of the facilities that were requested. IT builds systems based on end-user inputs that are vague and change over time. When the system is delivered, business users say it does not do what they requested it to do. Scope creep is also a common phenomenon in IT projects."
Abstract Good manufacturing practices (GMP) are considered part of the quality control system for companies producing pharmaceutical products. GMP principles aim to ensure the regular production for products that conform to the health standards required from regulatory bodies. GMP provides the general basics to determine the minimum acceptable requirements for the production at good products, covering all the activities related to the production process. This paper hypothesizes that, although ISO 9000 certification, which is the world-wide quality management and qualityassurance standard, is not required for pharmaceutical companies, only those with a company culture mature and ethical enough to implement TQM successfully will be able to successfully implement GMP (industry-specific standard). There has been a great deal of confusion concerning whether being in compliance with the pharmaceutical GMP would successfully lead to obtaining ISO certification with minimum changes and costs, or whether achieving ISO certification is going to be a long and expensive road. This paper hypothesizes that the ultimate success of a company's ISO program will not depend solely on how well-defined its quality system is, but rather its commitment to maintaining GMP.
From the Paper "In general, this is mainly because the companies have not taken seriously enough the fact that TQM involves a cultural change for the organization. It creates a shift in power between boss and employee. Many managers, especially those who were inadequately trained, have seen employees as accessories to their jobs - as people to be told what to do. People who are disempowered often fail to take initiative in identifying process or sub-component faults. According to the laws of human nature, employees treated this way will leave a great deal of work to be handled by management. According to the theories of TQM, managers have to learn to support, encourage and listen."
Abstract This paper defines the concept of quality and the role quality plays in shaping a customer's satisfaction. The author points out that quality is an integral part of business. The paper relates the participation of management in the production of customer-driven quality.
From the Paper "Quality is an integral part of any business and yet the term itself has many different interpretations. There is the quality of the product itself as it relates to performance and durability. There is the more difficult relationship between quality and price consumers may accept poorer quality for lower cost. There is the quality of the purchasing experience the payment experience and the after-sale experience. Quality enters the picture in the area of customer service and a company's Website and marketing materials also have issues."
Abstract This paper is a conference report on the principle of Total Quality Management, an American perception of managing quality. The report highlights the importance and the irrevocable relationship between Total Quality Management, and various Standards of quality being used at present. The paper introduces and defines TQM as well as describes each of its principles in a very detailed manner.It has thoroughly examined the various systems of quality standards that are prevalent in the global management at present. It has examined its principles and regulations, as well the different impacts of project management with respect to the changing environment. It also gives a historical overview of the Deming prize and its purpose. It uses the examples of Power Systems and AT&T in order to enhance the importance of TQM in businesses today.
From the Paper "Total Quality Management is an American perception of managing quality. Using the literature we can form a measure of the maturity of Total Quality Management relative to Total Quality Control (TQC), it's predecessor and competitor. Many companies are working very hard to achieve good quality goods and services and using them as competitive advantages in their business. In the 1990s, there are two main subjects on quality that capture the attention of most businesses in the world, namely the International Quality Management Standard ISO 9000 and Total Quality Management (Total Quality Management). Much publicity and promotions have been made on these two subjects. It is like a fire in the forest amongst the industrialized nations. The aim of this conference is to find out what is so special about ISO 9000 and Total Quality Management and why it is necessary for industries and businesses to acquire them. In order to facilitate the development of new ideas and sharing of experience, the conference is divided into a number of sub-themes. The Speakers (in brackets) will be trying to build a 'bridge' between ISO 9000 and Total Quality Management within their own expertise."
Abstract This paper discusses quality and the need to have effective quality measures in the healthcare industry. It examines the lack of a proper definition for quality, instead focusing on lack of quality and what that means. It also discusses government interventions and commissions and then finally discusses the ways, often futile and self defeating, that consumers can educate themselves and lead to their own better quality care.
From the Paper "This paper examines the importance of quality healthcare from a number of perspectives, including governmental interaction and personal responsibility. These perspectives will help answer the questions: What is Quality? Why is it important to measure quality and what are the most effective measures of quality? When examining the overall concept of quality healthcare, what was most interesting and perhaps revealing, was that there was no clear definition presented to define quality healthcare. What was available, in abundance, were definitions of what quality healthcare wasn't. According to the Department of Health and Human Services Report, The Challenge and Potential for Assuming Quality Health Care for the 21st Century (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], 1998), quality healthcare does not include: a failure to provide necessary healthcare resulting in needless complications, increased costs and increased and premature mortality rates. "
