Inprovement science - Article Example

Improvement science Introduction It is quite apparent that many diseases have erupted in the recent past. Research has shown that poor nutrition and insufficient knowledge regarding health issues has resulted in an explosion of a variety of diseases. Pressure ulcers has proven to be a fatal ailment and affects over two million people in the world (Altmann, 2007). Treatment and care for patients suffering from pressure ulcers is costly and, therefore, both the government and the various welfare organizations should be active in establishing effective mitigation strategies.

An interdisciplinary team at Pacific Oaks Hospital has noted a rise in pressure ulcer rates and considered setting up strategies to decrease the pressure ulcer rates. Several models have been developed to improve the quality of human health (Sadeghi, Barzi, Mikhail & Shabot, 2013). Among the various models developed include the Public Heath Model and the Model for Improvement. The purpose for this project is to evaluate the Public Health Model and the Model for Improvement to assess how they can aid in decreasing the pressure ulcer rates.

The public health modelThe public health care model is among the most important models ever developed. The model incorporates a variety of prevention and care strategies. Gilbert (2011) states that the model focuses on the causes of disease, socio-cultural and economic factors that might interrupt the quality of healthcare services. The model is characterized by unique elements such as leadership, surveillance, and partnerships. The model can be adopted to improve the quality of service and welfare of people suffering from pressure ulcer disease.

Actually, the model can be employed in developing effective prevention, rehabilitation, and palliative care strategies at different stages of disease development. For instance, surveillance can enhance timely detection of the diseases. As a result, prevention schemes will be established on time and, therefore, reduce the identified pressure ulcer rates.Model for Improvement/Improvement Science ModelThe model emphasis on teamwork and strategic performance. However, the model directs that the size and nature of the team should be determined by the needs and nature of the organization.

The model explains that it is important to set goals that the improvement strategy intends to achieve. According to Hickey & Brosnan (2012), setting of goals gives the team a roadmap of whatever it intends to achieve. The model reflects on the importance of establishing measures and selecting changes. In essence, establishing measures aids in assessing whether adoption of a specific change brings an improvement or not. There is usually a need to select changes that need to be implemented in order to effect improvement.

Once changes have been selected, the next thing is to test the changes. The model presents testing as a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. In this case, emphasis is placed on planning, trying, observing and taking action based on what has been learnt regarding an intended change. The final strategy that the model advocates for is the implementation of the appropriate changes. To address the issue of increased pressure ulcer rates, I would employ the Model for Improvement. The model gives detailed information on how to build an effective team to handle the increasing rates of pressure ulcers disease.

In addition, the model outlines the mechanisms of developing aims, selecting changes, evaluating changes, testing changes and implementing the most appropriate changes. Indeed, full utilization of the Model for Improvement has the potential of boosting efficiency and effectiveness in the treatment and reduction of pressure ulcer disease (Bader, 2005). ConclusionIn the past few decades, there has been an increase in human diseases. Scientists and medical practitioners have developed various models in an attempt to find solutions to health challenges facing the present world.

Diseases such as pressure ulcer have recorded an increasing rate in the past one decade. For this reason, staunch strategies must be developed and fully implemented to treat and reduces the spread of diseases. References:Altmann, T. K. (2007). An evaluation of the seminal work of Patricia Benner: Theory or philosophy? Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 25(1/2), 114123Bader, D. L. (2005). Pressure ulcer research: Current and future perspectives. Berlin: Springer.

Gilbert, S. (2011). Models-Based Science Teaching: Understanding and Using Mental Models. Arlington: National Science Teachers Association (NSTA.)Hickey, J. V., & Brosnan, C. A. (2012). Evaluation of health care quality in advanced practice nursing. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.Sadeghi, S., Barzi, A., Mikhail, O., & Shabot, M. M. (2013). Integrating quality and strategy in health care organizations.

Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.