The benefits, concerns, and challenges of a systems approach offer the practice scholar several ways to view a health problem. Select a practice problem within your unique setting and consider the following.
- Describe the selected problem from two of the three systems levels (micro-, meso-, and macro).
- Explain how the outcomes of one system-level effect the other level?
- How are the systems approach beneficial in improving healthcare quality and safety?
Instructions:
Use an APA style and a minimum of 200 words. Provide support from a minimum of at least three (3) scholarly sources. The scholarly source needs to be: 1) evidence-based, 2) scholarly in nature, 3) Sources should be no more than five years old (published within the last 5 year), and 4) an in-text citation. citations and references are included when information is summarized/synthesized and/or direct quotes are used, in which APA style standards apply.
• Textbooks are not considered scholarly sources.
• Wikipedia, Wikis, .com website or blogs should not be used.
In the context of healthcare, a practice problem that can be examined from both micro and macro systems levels is medication errors. At the micro-level, individual healthcare providers such as nurses and pharmacists are involved in administering medications to patients. Medication errors at this level can include dosage mistakes, drug interactions, or administration errors. On the macro-level, the healthcare system as a whole is responsible for policies, procedures, and protocols related to medication management, including medication dispensing, storage, and labeling.
The outcomes at the micro-level (individual healthcare providers) can significantly impact the macro-level (the healthcare system). For instance, if a nurse administers the wrong dosage of medication to a patient, it can lead to adverse patient outcomes and potential lawsuits. This individual-level error may prompt the healthcare system to review and revise its medication administration policies and procedures to prevent similar errors in the future. This feedback loop between the micro and macro levels is crucial for continuous improvement in healthcare quality and safety.
The systems approach is beneficial in improving healthcare quality and safety in several ways. First, it helps identify the interconnectedness of various components within the healthcare system, highlighting that errors or issues at one level can have far-reaching consequences. By understanding these relationships, healthcare organizations can implement systemic changes and preventive measures to reduce the risk of errors and enhance patient safety.
Second, the systems approach encourages a culture of learning and collaboration. When healthcare providers recognize that errors are often the result of systemic issues rather than individual negligence, they are more likely to report incidents without fear of punitive actions. This reporting culture fosters transparency and enables organizations to collect valuable data for root cause analysis, allowing them to make evidence-based improvements.
Third, a systems approach promotes the use of technology and automation to reduce errors. For example, electronic medication administration records (eMARs) can help ensure that the right medication is administered to the right patient at the right time, reducing the likelihood of errors caused by manual record-keeping.
In conclusion, the systems approach offers a valuable perspective for addressing healthcare practice problems such as medication errors. It encourages a holistic view of the healthcare system, facilitates communication and collaboration, and promotes evidence-based solutions to enhance quality and safety. By addressing issues at both micro and macro levels, healthcare organizations can create a safer and more effective care environment.