Promoting Quality and Safety Through Standards

In the article "Managing to Improve Quality: The Relationship Between Accreditation Standards, Safety Practices, and Patient Outcomes," the authors discuss the growing trend by medical insurance companies to eliminate reimbursement for Never Events. As these types of mistakes should be easily preventable, hospitals have developed protocols to lessen or extinguish the occurrence of these events. In addition, The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have developed core measures to guide health care providers' efforts in improving patient safety and the quality of care delivered. Review the information at the Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Web sites on the core measures and standards presented in this week's Resources.

To prepare for this Discussion, select either a Never Event or a core measure and respond to the following:

• How has the emphasis on quality of care, patient safety, and clinical care outcomes been impacted by specific standards emanating from CMS and TJC? Cite a core measure or standard in your response.