Discussion Question

Requirements for High Reliability

Since the mid-twentieth century, much patient care delivery has moved from the inpatient setting to the ambulatory clinic. Because this trend is likely to continue, matching clinic capacity to patient demand becomes a critical operating skill.

-Daniel B. McLaughlin and John R. Olson

Becoming and sustaining the ability to be a highly reliable organization has developed into a critical focus for not only patient care, but also regulatory agencies and managed care organizations. Depending on an organization's state of readiness, meeting the criteria for high reliability can be a challenging transition.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues' postings. Begin by selecting the "Post to Discussion" link and then select "Create Thread" to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before selecting Submit!

To prepare for this Discussion:

Read Chapter 12 of the course text and this week's Learning Resources, then reflect on how your health care organization, or a health care organization with which you are familiar, meets the criteria for high reliability. If you are currently working in a health care organization, what has been your experience in preparing for this transition to become a highly reliable organization?

Note: This Discussion will be graded using this rubric: Discussion Rubric (Word document)

Post a cohesive response to the following:

Assess the health organization in which you work or one with which you are familiar, and describe how staffing and scheduling processes in particular make your organization a high-reliability organization. Then, evaluate any areas that may need improvement, and recommend steps for improvement.

In your evaluation and recommendation, consider the requirements and standards in becoming a highly reliable organization. Do these standards hinder or improve the quality of care? Justify your rationale.

Support your response by identifying and explaining key points and/or examples presented in the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues' postings. Consider how your colleagues' postings relate to the information presented in the Learning Resources and to your own posting.