Top 7 Hospital Quality Problems and How to Solve Them

According to the National Institutes of Health, hospital-acquired infections affect as many as 2 million patients each year in the United States. These infections are responsible for 99,000 deaths and cost the healthcare system an estimated $6.5 billion annually. So, what are the top hospital quality problems, and how can they be solved? Let's take a look.

1. Poor Communication Between Staff Members

One of the most common problems in hospitals is a lack of communication between staff members. This can lead to errors in patient care, misdiagnoses, and a general feeling of disorganization. To solve this problem, hospitals should implement better systems for communication, such as real-time messaging apps or regular staff meetings. Communication is essential for providing quality patient care, and hospitals should strive to create an environment where staff members feel comfortable sharing information and collaborating. By improving communication among staff, hospitals can start to address many of the other problems on this list.

2. Understaffing

Healthcare staffing is a common problem in the Bay Area. This can lead to longer wait times for patients, less individualized care, and a higher risk of errors. To solve this problem, hospitals should ensure that they have enough staff on hand to meet their patient’s needs. This may mean hiring more staff or using shift differentials to incentivize employees to work during busy times. Non-medical staffing in the Bay Area is also an issue in many hospitals. This includes positions such as janitors, cooks, and security guards. To solve this problem, hospitals should partner with local agencies that can provide these services. This will help improve the quality of care and ensure patients can receive the treatment they need in a timely manner.

3. Insufficient Resources

As the population ages, Alzheimer’s care in Bay Area hospitals is becoming increasingly important. However, a lack of resources can make it difficult to provide adequate care for Alzheimer’s patients. To solve this problem, hospitals should partner with home care services in the Bay Area to ensure that Alzheimer’s patients receive the care they need. Home care services can provide the additional resources that hospitals require and help Alzheimer’s patients stay in their homes for as long as possible. As a result, partnering with home care services is an effective way to solve the problem of insufficient resources for Alzheimer’s care. This helps to ensure Alzheimer’s patients receive the highest quality care at all times.

4. Poor Sanitation

Poor sanitation is a major problem in hospitals. This can lead to the spread of infection and illness among patients and staff members alike. Hospitals can solve this problem by making sure that they have proper sanitation protocols in place and that all staff members are trained to follow them correctly. Some of the most important protocols for preventing the spread of disease include handwashing, using personal protective equipment, and cleaning surfaces properly. By following these and other protocols, hospitals can help to keep their patients and staff safe from illness. Hospitals should also ensure that their staff has access to the necessary supplies and equipment needed for proper sanitation. This will help to make sure that everyone can follow the protocols properly.

Furthermore, all hospitals should conduct regular inspections of their premises to identify potential areas where there may be a lack of sanitation.

5. Medication Errors

Medication errors are a leading cause of hospital visits and potential harm to patients. In fact, according to a study by the Institute of Medicine, medication errors cause an estimated 1.5 million preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) each year.1 There are many potential causes of medication errors, from incorrect drug prescribing to incorrect dosing and administration. To help reduce medication errors, hospitals can implement systems and processes that better track and manage medications. For example, hospitals can use computerized prescriber order entry systems, including decision support tools to help flag potential errors. Bar-coding systems can also be used to verify that the correct medication is being given to the correct patient at the correct time. By taking steps to improve medication safety, hospitals can help protect patients from harm.

6. Infection Rates

One of the top 6 hospital quality problems is infection rates. Infection rates are a big problem because they can cause patients to become very ill and even die. To solve this problem, hospitals need to focus on preventing infections. They can do this by using hand washing stations, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that all employees are properly trained in infection control.

They should also ensure that all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly and use personal protective equipment like gloves and masks when necessary. Additionally, they should monitor infection rates closely to identify potential outbreaks early on. Finally, they should educate patients and staff about how to prevent infections. By implementing these strategies, hospitals can dramatically reduce infection rates and improve overall quality.

7. Magnet Status

Magnet status is a designation given to hospitals that meet certain standards set by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). These standards include nursing excellence, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. Hospitals with magnet status are typically considered to be of high quality, so a lack of magnet status can be seen as a quality problem. To solve this problem, hospitals should make sure they meet the ANCC's standards and apply for magnet status if they haven't already done so. Doing so will help improve the quality of care the hospital provides and make it more attractive to patients.

Conclusion

Hospitals play a vital role in our healthcare system, but are not without their problems. The good news is that many of these problems can be solved with effort and dedication from hospital administrators and staff members. By addressing these issues head-on, we can make our hospitals safer and more efficient places for everyone involved.