Question

WK10 - HQM

Explain why you think the Triple Aim programs have been successful.

Based on the success of the Triple Aim initiatives, recommend two strategies you would take to improve implementation of health care quality initiatives within your organization (or an organization you are familiar with).

Describe challenges/opportunities you may encounter in doing so.

Answer 1

The Triple Aim framework describes the approaches to optimize health system performance and is developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The three or triple aims are as follows:

·     Improving the patient experience of care which includes the quality and satisfaction

The healthcare environment must be made as comfortable as possible to the patients. This will help to improve patient satisfaction.

·     Improving the health of populations

Strategies should aim at the developing the health of a population, or aim at preventive healthcare

·     Reducing the per capita cost of healthcare.

The cost-effectiveness and cost containment should be achieved for better healthcare.

The increase in the number of aging population living with chronic health problems for a long time adds to the burden of medical and social services. Considering the triple aims at the same time the overall heal system can be improved. A systematic approach to change is advocated.

The approach includes:

1.Identification of the target population

The Identification of the target population is the key variable in every healthcare improvement approach. By defining the population the future plans can be made based on their needs.

2. Defining the aims and methods

The clear picture of the objective or aims will lead the programs towards the achievement.

3.Developing a loosely tailored plan of work

This will be flexible yet leads the project

4. Evaluation methods.

Use of widely accepted evaluation methods helps in assessing the progress and re-planning

The determinants of health related to individual, family and community to be harnessed to effectively go through the process. In the US the Triple Aim initiative can be effectively utilized in different settings such as patient-centred care homes, Bundled payment systems, change in the model of primary care, reducing the avoidable events like readmissions and use of information technology in healthcare.

There are five components of Triple Aim. They are:

• The focus on individuals and families at all levels of caring
• Re-plan and design the of primary care services and structures
• Health management based on population needs
• Control of cost
• Incorporation of systems and proper execution

Strategies that can be taken to implement triple aim and improve quality: Improving the patient experience of care which include the quality and satisfaction

By improving the patient experience the standards of the healthcare system can be improved. To achieve patient satisfaction the healthcare personnel must be trained to be more patient-centred and cordial. The traditional system must be changed to the inoperative one. The health care decisions can be taken based on the patients and the healthcare professional convenience. Respect the rights of the patient to be responsible for his own health. The physical setting of the hospital also should be made according to the needs and comforts of the patients. The liberalizations of laws without affecting the quality of care will be comfortable for the patients.

There will be the chance of resistance while implementing the changes. The healthcare personals who are following the traditional system will not be able to accept the new innovations. Education programs regarding the new developments and group discussions can be used to gain the confidence of the people.

The increasing cost while implementing the changes is another drawback. By the effective utilization of money that can be eliminated.

Reference:

1. http://www.ihi.org/Engage/Initiatives/TripleAim/Pages/default.aspx