Using a multi-method, user centred, prospective hazard analysis to assess care quality and patient safety in a care pathway
2007

Assessing Care Quality and Patient Safety in COPD Pathways

Sample size: 16 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dean Joanne E, Hutchinson Allen, Escoto Kamisha Hamilton, Lawson Rod

Primary Institution: University of Sheffield

Hypothesis

Can prospective hazard analysis methods effectively evaluate quality and safety in care pathways that cross primary and secondary care boundaries?

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that mixed methods can effectively review the quality and safety of care in a care pathway, revealing significant areas for improvement.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients preferred home care over hospital care, with 14 out of 16 expressing satisfaction.
  • Communication issues were identified as a major safety concern among staff and patients.
  • The study highlighted seven specific areas in the care pathway where safety could be compromised.

Takeaway

This study looked at how to make sure patients get safe and good care when they leave the hospital. It found some problems and ways to fix them.

Methodology

The study used care process mapping, semi-structured interviews with patients and staff, a modified Delphi study, and a review of quality and safety challenges.

Potential Biases

Some contributors had to cancel on the day of the meeting, which may have affected the comprehensiveness of the analysis.

Limitations

The study was conducted at two sites within one hospital Trust, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 16 COPD patients and various hospital staff involved in the supported discharge programme.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-7-89

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