HQS 630 Problem Solving Paper
Business Plans and Return on Investment
Idea Description
Hospital-acquired infections are a fundamental threat to any healthcare facility since they drive up operational costs and reduce patient safety. In my healthcare facility, the infection rate has been a nagging problem that consequently affects patients’ outcomes and the efficiency of the hospital. The key focus of this activity involves reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infection through improved hygiene, staff training, and strict infection control measures.
The intervention aims to reduce the incidence of infection so that infection becomes safer both for the patient and
the personnel working around them. This arrangement would entail different key benefits emanating from the programs: improved patient outcomes; reduction of operational costs where infections mean patients’ extended staying and readmissions; and improving the reputation where a facility will operate at the better end as relates to the observance of best patient safety. Aligning the effort with the compassion and caring values will seek the well-being of the patients supported by the program while training health professionals for that matter on this aspect to maintain the best quality of treatment. These improvements will eventually lead to a higher performance of the hospital in operation, making it more viable and respectable in the community.
Theory of Change
In this project, the Kotter Change Model will direct the process. As Errida and Lotfi (2021) reported, urgency and stakeholder participation are important in minimizing resistance and accomplishment across infection control efforts. Designing a culture in which infection prevention is incorporated at the forefront of all hospital activities using urgency for the role of the infection prevention program, assembling a coalition of important stakeholders (e.g., infection control specialists and nurses), and acknowledging the top priority of infection prevention by creating a sense of urgency in the activity of infection prevention will enable the program to become part of the daily practices of the hospital. This approach will promote collaboration across departments and create lasting improvements (Barrow & Annamaraju, 2022). Ultimately, Kotter’s model offers a structured path that ensures systematic, sustainable change in infection control efforts.
Financial
The financial resources comprise procuring supply needs, such as antiseptic products, PPEs, and cleaning materials. Besides that, education courses for the staff are needed to ensure the appropriate application of infection control. According to Mcpake et al. (2023), training time and administrative costs must be budgeted to provide practical implementation.
To measure the Return on Investment (ROI) for the infection control program, we will track key metrics such as infection rates, patient satisfaction scores, and the hospital’s readmission rates related to infections. Furthermore, the financial analysis can consider cost savings through reduced hospital charges associated with decreased length of stay and antibiotic use (Langarizadeh et al., 2024). A cost-benefit analysis will be used to evaluate the combined financial gain versus the initial training cost and cost of the materials. Over the longer term, the ROI will show the program’s value, not only in terms of the economic but also in terms of the social value of infection reduction.
Implementation
Beyond policy and education, the organization must evaluate staffing to ensure the right personnel are engaged in infection control. This progression may involve training leadership on the new practices and assigning “infection prevention champions” to every department. The initiative may require an initial increase in workload as training sessions are rolled out and new procedures are integrated into daily operations (Griffiths et al., 2020). Over time, this should decrease the work necessary to treat infectious diseases and the costs of infection-related complications (Aytona et al., 2022). Through careful control of staffing and training, the hospital will be prepared to meet the challenge of infection control and provide long-term viability to the program.
Education
Education is critical for this program’s success. The entire hospital staff will have to be trained in ongoing staff training on the highest level of infection control practices, encompassing hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and sterile techniques. Workshops, e-learning modules, and departmental seminars will form a component of the education program, allowing staff to stay informed of the best current infection prevention guidelines (Barrow & Annamaraju, 2022). Continuous learning guarantees that such infection control measures are maintained and continue to be efficient in reducing HAIs. Commitment to education will create an environment of continuous improvement that allows staff to maintain standards of patient care at their best. This enables staff to maintain the best standards of patient care.
Benefits for the Organization
The facility will have several benefits by reducing HAIs. The most widespread will be improved patient safety, higher patient satisfaction scores, and fewer complications. Furthermore, fewer infections will decrease readmissions, operational costs, and a better perception of the hospital as a safe healthcare provider. The morale of the staff will also improve as health workers can work in a situation where the patients are guaranteed to be safe, and the chances of infection being promoted are minimal (Liu et al., 2021). Higher patient trust and satisfaction levels will also enhance the hospital’s reputation, thus creating a successful and loyal future.
Return on Investment
The return of this project will be evident in many forms. To begin with, lower infection rates will lead to lower treatment costs of infections, readmissions, and hospital stays. Enhancing patient satisfaction will result in improved patient retention and, in turn, increase new patient volumes. Savings from complications prevented through infection offset the initial costs related to investments in equipment and training. Such financial and operational improvement will ensure that the hospital’s leadership pertains to safe, quality care provision.
References
Alderwick, H., Hutchings, A., Briggs, A., & Mays, N. (2021). The impacts of collaboration between local health care and non-health care organizations and factors shaping how they work: A systematic review of reviews. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10630-1
Aytona, M. G., Politico, M. R., McManus, L., Ronquillo, K., & Okech, M. (2022). Determining staffing standards for primary care services using workload indicators of staffing needs in the Philippines. Human Resources for Health, 19(S1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-021-00670-4
Barrow, J. M., & Annamaraju, P. (2022, September 18). Change management in health care. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459380/
Errida, A., & Lotfi, B. (2021). The determinants of organizational change management success: Literature review and case study. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 13(1), 1–15. Sagepub. https://doi.org/10.1177/18479790211016273
Griffiths, P., Saville, C., Ball, J., Jones, J., Pattison, N., & Monks, T. (2020). Nursing workload, Nurse Staffing Methodologies & Tools: a Systematic Scoping Review & Discussion. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 103(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103487
Langarizadeh, M., Fallahnezhad, M., & Vahabzadeh, A. (2024). Key performance indicators of hospital supply chain: A systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11954-5
Liu, S., Li, G., Liu, N., & Hongwei, W. (2021). The impact of patient satisfaction on patient loyalty with the mediating effect of patient trust. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 58. https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580211007221
Mcpake, B., Dayal, P., Zimmermann, J., & Williams, G. (2023). What steps can improve and promote investment in the health and care workforce? Enhancing efficiency of spending and rethinking domestic and international financing POLICY BRIEF 54. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/366654/Policy-brief-54-1997-8073-eng.pdf?sequence=1
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Assessment Traits
Requires Lopeswrite
Assessment Description
You want to propose a new way to solve a problem at your workplace. To describe your implementation for this change, use the following information to submit a business plan detailing the need for this change to the head of your department.
For this assignment, use the “Business Plan” template attached, to create a 500-750-word, professional, engaging business plan by utilizing the provided headers and guiding questions. You may retain the headers as they are, but there is no need to include the questions within the document. Keep in mind that the list of questions provided is not exhaustive; feel free to incorporate any additional information required for each section. Ensure that your narrative flows seamlessly in paragraph form.
You are required to cite three to five peer-reviewed sources, in addition to information from your textbook to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the past 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and nursing content.
Use in-text citations where appropriate and as found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Attachments
HQS-630-RS-T2BusinessPlan.docx
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Problem Solving – Rubric
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Rubric Criteria
Total120 points
| Criterion | 1. Unsatisfactory | 2. Insufficient | 3. Approaching | 4. Acceptable | 5. Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idea Description
Problem is identified, including the purpose of the initiative, benefits being created and how they align with the Christian worldview, and identification of the respective beneficiaries of the benefits. |
0 points
Identification of the problem, including the purpose of the initiative, benefits being created and how they align with the Christian worldview, and identification of the respective beneficiaries of the benefits, is missing. |
11.52 points
Identification of the problem, including the purpose of the initiative, benefits, being created and how they align with the Christian worldview, and identification of the respective beneficiaries of the benefits, is vague and inconsistent. |
12.67 points
Identification of the problem, including the purpose of the initiative, benefits being created and how they align with the Christian worldview, and identification of the respective beneficiaries of the benefits, is present. |
13.25 points
Identification of the problem, including the purpose of the initiative, benefits being created and how they align with the Christian worldview, and identification of the respective beneficiaries of the benefits, is present and clear. |
14.4 points
Identification of the problem, including the purpose of the initiative, benefits being created and how they align with the Christian worldview, and identification of the respective beneficiaries of the benefits, is clear and concise. |
| Theory of Change
Description of what change theory will be employed. |
0 points
Description of what change theory will be employed is missing. |
11.52 points
Description of what change theory will be employed is vague and inconsistent. |
12.67 points
Description of what change theory will be employed is present. |
13.25 points
Description of what change theory will be employed is present and clear. |
14.4 points
Description of what change theory will be employed is clear and concise. |
| Financial
Identification of monetary and non-monetary resources are necessary to implement the idea, including an analysis of how the return on investment for the project will be determined and which factors should be considered. |
0 points
Identification of monetary and non-monetary resources are necessary to implement the idea, including an analysis of how the return on investment for the project will be determined and which factors should be considered, is missing. |
10.56 points
Identification of monetary and non-monetary resources are necessary to implement the idea, including an analysis of how the return on investment for the project will be determined and which factors should be considered, is vague and inconsistent. |
11.62 points
Identification of monetary and non-monetary resources are necessary to implement the idea, including an analysis of how the return on investment for the project will be determined and which factors should be considered, is present. |
12.14 points
Identification of monetary and non-monetary resources are necessary to implement the idea, including an analysis of how the return on investment for the project will be determined and which factors should be considered, is present and clear. |
13.2 points
Identification of monetary and non-monetary resources are necessary to implement the idea, including an analysis of how the return on investment for the project will be determined and which factors should be considered, is clear and concise. |
| Implementation
Analysis of the staffing component necessary to implement the idea, including how the idea will affect staff in the near future and long term. |
0 points
Analysis of the staffing component necessary to implement the idea, including how the idea will affect staff in the near future and long term, is missing. |
10.56 points
Analysis of the staffing component necessary to implement the idea, including how the idea will affect staff in the near future and long term, is vague and inconsistent. |
11.62 points
Analysis of the staffing component necessary to implement the idea, including how the idea will affect staff in the near future and long term, is present. |
12.14 points
Analysis of the staffing component necessary to implement the idea, including how the idea will affect staff in the near future and long term, is present and clear. |
13.2 points
Analysis of the staffing component necessary to implement the idea, including how the idea will affect staff in the near future and long term, is clear and concise. |
| Education
Identification of educational resources necessary to implement the idea. |
0 points
Identification of educational resources necessary to implement the idea is missing. |
10.56 points
Identification of educational resources necessary to implement the idea is vague and inconsistent. |
11.62 points
Identification of educational resources necessary to implement the idea is present. |
12.14 points
Identification of educational resources necessary to implement the idea is present and clear. |
13.2 points
Identification of educational resources necessary to implement the idea is clear and concise. |
| Benefits for the Organization
Summary of how the business plan is beneficial for the organization. |
0 points
Summary of how the business plan is beneficial for the organization is missing. |
10.56 points
Summary of how the business plan is beneficial for the organization is vague and inconsistent. |
11.62 points
Summary of how the business plan is beneficial for the organization is present. |
12.14 points
Summary of how the business plan is beneficial for the organization is present and clear. |
13.2 points
Summary of how the business plan is beneficial for the organization is clear and concise. |
| Return on Investment
Explanation of how the plan is a good return on investment for the organization. |
0 points
Explanation of how the plan is a good return on investment for the organization is missing. |
11.52 points
Explanation of how the plan is a good return on investment for the organization is vague and inconsistent. |
12.67 points
Explanation of how the plan is a good return on investment for the organization is present. |
13.25 points
Explanation of how the plan is a good return on investment for the organization is present and clear. |
14.4 points
Explanation of how the plan is a good return on investment for the organization is clear and concise. |
| Argument Logic and Construction
Argument Logic and Construction |
0 points
Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources. |
9.6 points
Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. |
10.56 points
Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. |
11.04 points
Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. |
12 points
Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. |
| Mechanics of Writing
Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc. |
0 points
Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence structure errors are found throughout. |
4.8 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence structure are recurrent. |
5.28 points
Occasional mechanical errors are present. Language choice is generally appropriate. Varied sentence structure is attempted. |
5.52 points
Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used. |
6 points
No mechanical errors are present. Skilled control of language choice and sentence structure are used throughout. |
| Format/Documentation
Uses appropriate style, such as APA, MLA, etc., for college, subject, and level; documents sources using citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., appropriate to assignment and discipline. |
0 points
Appropriate format is not used. No documentation of sources is provided. |
4.8 points
Appropriate format is attempted, but some elements are missing. Frequent errors in documentation of sources are evident. |
5.28 points
Appropriate format and documentation are used, although there are some obvious errors. |
5.52 points
Appropriate format and documentation are used with only minor errors. |
6 points
No errors in formatting or documentation are present. Selectivity in the use of direct quotations and synthesis of sources is demonstrated. |
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