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Quality Assurance & Liabilities Issues

Quality Assurance & Liabilities Issues. Prof. Monique Frize, P. Eng., O.C. ELG5123/94.526 February 2003. Content. Definition quality assurance Why QA? Objectives of QA Reach of programs Steps in development of QA program Examples standards and criteria QA (CE) Liability issues.

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Quality Assurance & Liabilities Issues

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  1. Quality Assurance & Liabilities Issues Prof. Monique Frize, P. Eng., O.C. ELG5123/94.526 February 2003 M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  2. Content • Definition quality assurance • Why QA? • Objectives of QA • Reach of programs • Steps in development of QA program • Examples standards and criteria QA (CE) • Liability issues M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  3. What is Quality Assurance (QA)? Applies to services (not products) Definition: QA implies a measure of the level of service provided by a dept. or group; it provides a method to identify if additional efforts would improve the service level and quality. (guarantee level of excellence that results in acceptable level of patient care. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  4. How to measure... Comparison of “actual results” against pre-established performance criteria. Criteria: • Must be realistic and achievable (resources, morale,…) • Contribute to increased quality service (not too easy to reach) M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  5. Why QA? Accreditation of hospitals requires this. Visits to verify if and how this is done and results. Success means a maximum of three years of accreditation M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  6. General Objectives of QA General goal: Increase the effectiveness, the efficacy, and the quality of services delivered Help the organisation to provide good patient care Note: The hospital’s mission should form an integral part of a QA program. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  7. Specific Objectives(Clin. Eng.) • Insure that equipment is available for patient care • Identify additonal services needed NOT provided at this time • Improve efficacy and competence of technical staff • Minimise risks for patients and staff (level of safety of use of devices) M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  8. Specific Objectives(Clin. Eng.) • Improve therapeutic effect of devices by insuring they function appropriately and according to their specifications • Improve the comfort of patients when possible and related to use of technology • Simplify procedures as much as possible. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  9. Reach of QA Program Must measure each type of activity and task performed by the CE departments. Engineers, technologists, clerks or secretaries. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  10. Examples of Tasks/Activities • Purchase of equipment. • Incoming inspections. • Preventive and corrective maintenance. • Analysis of incidents and accidents. Applies to devices and to technical services (electrical, mechanical, etc.. ) M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  11. Steps in Developing QA • Identify each task and activity that need to be assessed. • Define criteria of performance or indicators of quality. • Compare to existing standards (if exist). M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  12. Examples of QA Assessments Incoming inspections: Standard: 100 percent of new devices must undergo I.I. Actual: Non compliance. Possible corrective measures: 1. Communicate problem to purchasing/receiving dept. to get compliance. 2. Ensure CE staff complies. 3. Repeat audit in a few months. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  13. Examples of QA Assessments Preventive maintenance: Standard: 100 percent of critical care equipment according to schedule; 80 percent of other equipment (once per year or when repaired) Actual: Non compliance. Possible corrective measures: 1. Revisit staff resources and workloads 2. Communicate with health care staff that equipment needs to be tested. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  14. Examples of QA Assessments Number of devices returning for repair: Standard: No return within 6 months of last repair. Actual: 1 device has returned three times in that period. Possible corrective measures: 1. Examine record and identify past actions. 2. Assess what types of intermittent problems may occur and test. 3. Ensure another audit within 1 to 3 months. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  15. Examples of QA Assessments Budget and staff management issues: Standard: 5 percent variance from approved operating budget and outstanding performance evaluations. Actual: Budget 10 percent overspent and no outstanding performance reviews. Possible corrective measures: 1. Examine each budget category and expenditures. 2. Assess whether this can be corrected or if hospital needs to adjust (example: more repairs and expensive parts than other years). M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  16. Satisfaction Level of Service Some ways to assess this: Questionnaire to users. Look at number of complaints (verbal, written). Accreditation deficiencies in report. Assess time lag between request for service and delivery. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

  17. Sources • M. Frize’s clinical engineering practice in Moncton Regional Service. • V. Dunfield’s QA program at Dr. E. Chalmer’s Hospital in Fredericton. M. Frize, Feb, 2003

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