Quality and Safety in the Health Care System - Essay Example

"Quality and Safety in the Health Care System" is a perfect example of a paper on the health system.
The contemporary healthcare system has been influenced by a number of historical, socio-political and cultural trends in the 20th Century. Historically, there have been significant changes in American healthcare systems in the last century (Jacob, 2014). Major changes began to take place in the early 1990when The American Medical Association became the force behind the organization of the medical field and ushered in the state, national and local associations.  Other fundamental changes occurred between 1910-1950 when politics, government, insurance companies, medical advances and wars played a critical role in determining medical care and cost. Political involvement in healthcare increased with the Roosevelt Administration receiving pressure to reform health especially with regards to the rising cost. The Second World War was yet another issue that pushed employers to offer group healthcare plans to employees.

The Purpose and Process of Evaluating Health Care Structure, Process and Outcome

Evaluation of these aspects of Healthcare is very important in assessing the quality and integrity of the health care provided by the key players including providers, insurers, government agencies and other stakeholders. Its purpose is to provide quality healthcare at affordable costs to the citizens. Healthcare structure relates to the organization of people, resources and institutions that provide the services (Savage, 2008). They must be evaluated to ascertain whether they meet the quality standards. The processes should be professional and affordable and the outcome very positive. The process of evaluating these aspects is a continuous one that involves the assessment of the structure, processes and outcomes and how well they meet the healthcare needs of the American society.

Use of technology to Improve Patients’ Outcomes and Healthcare Systems

Technology has redefined the healthcare systems, bringing great effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy in recording patients’ details and managing their conditions promptly. They make the administration of the services quite prompt and effective, thereby improving the outcome and the entire healthcare system. Technology also enhances communication, decision making and knowledge sharing through the use of medical information systems (Cohen & Haft, 2004).

Intervention for Healthcare System Quality Improvement and Safety at the Bedside

I would make effective use of the available medical technology and equipment to improve the quality of the healthcare system. I would also push for the adoption of healthy working relationships among various multi-disciplinary team members such as doctors, nurses, insurance companies, among others. At the bedside, I would ensure that the right patient gets the right medication at the right time. I would also ensure proper feeding of the patient and give a bed bath where the patient is not able to do so personally. The pressure area care must also be ensured. Moreover, I would ensure that the patient is given adequate healthcare education on his condition.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The organization supports the hallmarks of healthcare quality through the provision of the building blocks that American society needs to live healthy and successful. It provides millions of families, children and the elderly with access to superior quality health care. It also helps people to find jobs in the medical fraternity and contribute towards quality improvement and provide such basic items as food.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been successful in protecting the lives of American people and providing essential human services. Its efforts have played well in helping patients, providing healthcare facilities and enhancing the delivery system.

In terms of the facilities where I practice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has given me the motivation to protect the lives of patients. It has shaped my career impacted positively by providing the facilities I need to excel.