Artifact

Reflection

At the time I completed this research paper “Applying the PDSA Cycle to Post-operative Wound Infections in Hospitalized Patients”, I took away 3 key ideas related to applying healthcare improvement methodologies into clinical practice. The first is that leadership should never assume they know the cause of a problem. Secondly, by having interdisciplinary participation, it will allow for a thorough investigation into root causes beyond a singular scope. This will increase engagement in the project and help to propel it forward. Finally, and I think the biggest key reflection of this course, implementing change methodologies will be an ongoing process. After completing other graduate courses with content in health informatics and finance, even when the “right” solution is found, it may not continue to be the correct solution in 5 years from now, as the healthcare environment changes and evolves. Leadership must implement change management strategies that include clear communication, collaboration and commitment to influence and support effective new processes. This strengthens the argument that all healthcare organizations need to be involved in continuous quality improvement to be relevant players in a competitive healthcare market and all leaders need to be influencers of these changes.