Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue: Healthcare System Errors
Among the contemporary issues affecting modern healthcare practice, errors in the system are some of the most difficult ones. This will only lead to unnecessary and fatal occurrences in the lives of the people, in addition to prompting a rise in the costs of the health department and a lowering of faith of the community in such authorized bodies whose role is to ensure the health safety of the public. Medical mistakes affect patient care, hospital reputation, system performance, and outcomes: Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue: Healthcare System Errors.
Such would call for a system approach in contemplating the factors that may lead to the errors, the potential remedies, and the ethical issues arising from that place within the health system. This paper discusses the roots, populations affected, and ways to deal with systematic healthcare mistakes: focus on utilizing enhanced technologies and promoting accountability.
Elements of the Problem/Issue
Potential errors within a health care system include diagnostic errors, medication errors, and communication errors. All originate from common root causes that are systematic and hamper quality patient care. Diagnostic errors, for example, might be described as a case in which a health practitioner or a diagnostic service fails to diagnose an illness or diagnose it incorrectly, as emphasized by Balogh et al. (2019).
They will almost certainly result in time gaps or incorrect treatment, exacerbating patients’ pain and, in some cases, killing them. Likewise, the mistakes associated with medication dispensing, including wrong dosages, wrong identification of the drugs, and so on, are argued to be due to fatigue due to poor quality training or technically inept workflow.
The other source of systemic errors mentioned by Tiwary et al. (2019) relates to interpersonal communication failures between healthcare teams. When the information is communicated effectively, essential aspects of a patient’s state are noticed and understood. It may lead to wrong treatment decisions, which harms the patients’ health, especially the elderly. This is because, for instance, during patient handoff, if the changes in patient symptoms need to be communicated, the physician is working with either old or part information that can only be expected to lead to substandard care.
Remarkably, the problem has worsened due to some intrinsic technological issues. Electronic Health Records, whose goal is thus to increase efficiency and decrease mistakes, could also become a source of errors when misused. Some EHR systems can be ineffective; gaps can occur in documentation, communication, or timely access to significant vital records (Tsai et al., 2020). These sophisticated technologies have highlighted the necessary technological differences to design and develop solutions openly, promoting their integration into the everyday clinical environment.
Analysis
Surprisingly, it is revealed that a more significant proportion of healthcare errors stem from humans and systems. The human-related causes are the lack of proper communication, information processing, and training, while on the other extreme, the root causes may stem from improper infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and lack of resources. Each one of them implies that once such factors combine, it becomes almost inevitable that an error shall have occurred.
For instance, diagnostic mistakes occur when healthcare providers experience cognitive load (Balogh et al., 2019). Doctors and nurses see patients under stressful circumstances where several patients are to be treated and a myriad of data to be analyzed. Such a situation creates an overwhelming cognitive milieu that may result in the clinician making an improper or late diagnosis. Also, diagnostic protocols of various institutes vary a lot, which does not allow one to define and remove such error sources.
Inadequate communication is another primary reason for mistakes in the healthcare system, probably due to the following reasons. Interprofessional communication breakdown can occur between healthcare professionals, a healthcare professional, a patient, or other patient(s). For instance, due to language or culture, the patient needs help explaining or properly discussing their awareness about or requirements for the treatment process (Tiwary et al., 2019). This has been made worse by the hierarchical structure in many healthcare organizations, where junior personnel often disagree with or challenge their seniors.
Besides, the systemic nature of healthcare errors hits some populations harder than others. Among the most vulnerable, psychiatric patients stand out for being at particular risk due to stigmatization and poor management of their care, as argued by Ahad et al. (2023). For instance, those with a history of psychological disorders may pay less heed to their concerns regarding physical health because providers are more likely to attribute the symptoms to psychological causes rather than investigate other possible causes. Those with limited ability in the language spoken by the provider will also have more communication errors, which increases disparities in care.
Considering Options
Since healthcare system errors are multidimensional, solutions that must be considered will range from optimal technological systems to improved staff training and instilling a culture of accountability in healthcare institutions.
Optimizing EHR Systems
EHRs could contribute to fewer errors due to standardized documentation, improved communication, and real-time access to patient information (Kataria & Ravindran, 2020). The key to realizing this, however, lies in a user-friendly, reliable, and integrated EHR system into the daily workflow of a clinician. More importantly, such systems need customization according to institutional needs.
Enhanced Training Programs
The broad-based training programs would apply to the practice of healthcare professionals facing complex healthcare environments. The programs should improve communication, teamwork, and technical skills. Simulation-based training, for example, enables health staff to engage in hands-on approaches to high-pressure situations, thereby reducing errors in real-world settings.
Fostering Accountability Through Peer-Review Mechanisms
As Au et al. (2020) noted, programs like the “Code S” initiative are proactive approaches to systemic healthcare errors. Since there is no pointing of fingers or blaming an individual, such programs encourage healthcare staff to report errors without fear of retribution. Programs aimed at defining and mitigating systemic errors rely, in large part, upon this culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
Each strategy involves significant investment in resources, time, and institutional commitment. However, the benefits of enhancing patient safety, reducing costs, and gaining confidence in healthcare systems are so great that such strategies become necessities.
Solution
Of all the potential solutions, one that stands out is integrating EHR systems with strong staff training programs. This approach simultaneously tackles some key issues: better communication, fewer errors in documentation, and a general improvement in the efficiency of the healthcare process (Kataria & Ravindran, 2020). This would enable the healthcare organization to create a more integrated, safer, and dependable environment for patients and providers by effectively utilizing technology to support workflows and equip staff with the correct skills to achieve these tasks.
Subsequently, advanced EHR systems allow providers access to more accurate patient information, minimizing errors while making timely decisions (Kataria & Ravindran, 2020). The training programs are supposed to equip them with skills for navigating modern medical practice. Of course, this would bring many benefits, such as enhanced patient safety, better job satisfaction among health staff, reduced stress, and decreased cognitive overload.
Acquiring and implementing newer, more advanced EHR systems is a stretch for institutional budgets, especially in smaller or resource-constrained healthcare organizations. Health professionals might also resist change and resist the uptake of new workflows and technologies. Clear receipt of the solution’s benefits, strong leadership, and ongoing staff support during the change period will be needed to overcome such barriers.
Ethical Implications
The proposed solution complies with the general ethical theories, considering beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice.
Beneficence
The proposed solution addresses the ethical imperative to act in the best interests of patients through improved patient safety and outcomes. Advanced EHR systems and trained staff can help reduce medical errors, thereby improving overall patient well-being (Kataria & Ravindran, 2020).
Nonmaleficence
The solution is designed to minimize harm by addressing the underlying issues behind errors in the healthcare system. Improved processes and communication reduce the risks arising from diagnostic errors and medication-related mishaps.
Autonomy
Accurate and secure EHR systems safeguard patients’ rights to responsible handling of their medical information (Kataria & Ravindran, 2020). To patients, this transparency allows trust and makes informed decisions regarding their care possible.
Justice
The solution promotes equitable access to high-quality care by addressing systemic flaws disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Creating a safer and more reliable healthcare environment ensures that all patients receive the care they deserve.
While these ethical principles support the proposed solution, potential challenges must be considered. EHR systems deal with very sensitive information concerning patients, and hence, data privacy and security issues are very relevant. It is also important that disparities in technology access widen the existing gap; hence, inclusive strategies should be implemented.
Implementation
The following are critical steps towards effective implementation:
System Acquisition and Configuration
Advanced EHR systems must be acquired to match each healthcare institution’s particular needs. The system may require configuration or customization to adapt easily to existing workflows and processes.
Comprehensive Training Programs
Every health professional must undergo obligatory training. Such training should focus equally on technical and interpersonal skills to enhance collaboration and accountability.
Continuous Monitoring and Feedback
Channels for feedback from staff and patients will provide areas where the solution could be improved, and it will constantly change to fit the changing needs of its users. This is also indicated by Jamtvedt et al. (2019) to achieve good standards of care through routine audits and evaluations.
Addressing Challenges
Potential challenges—resistance to changing budget constraints—must be addressed proactively. Clear communication of the solution’s benefits, combined with leadership support and financial planning, will go a long way toward mitigating these challenges.
Conclusion
Errors in the healthcare system are a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. Combining highly advanced technology with powerful training programs could enable healthcare institutions to significantly reduce errors and improve patient outcomes while maintaining the highest ethical standards of care delivery. Although challenges like costs and resistance to change have to be overcome, this broad approach’s benefits in the long term must be addressed. Innovation, collaboration, and continual improvement are required for a safer, more reliable healthcare system.
References
Ahad, A., Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and addressing mental health stigma across cultures for improving psychiatric care: A narrative review. Cureus, 15(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549
Au, H. D., Kim, D. I., Garrison, R. C., Yu, M., Thompson, G., Fargo, R., Nathaniel, B., Chitsazan, M., Puvvula, L. K., Motabar, A., & Loo, L. K. (2020). Code S: Redesigning Hospital-Wide Peer Review Processes to Identify System Errors. Cureus, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8466
Balogh, E. P., Miller, B. T., & Ball, J. R. (2019, December 29). Overview of Diagnostic Error in Health Care. Nih.gov; National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK338594/
Jamtvedt, G., Flottorp, S., & Ivers, N. (2019). Audit and Feedback as a Quality Strategy. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549284/
Kataria, S., & Ravindran, V. (2020). Electronic health records: a critical appraisal of strengths and limitations. Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 50(3), 262–268. https://doi.org/10.4997/jrcpe.2020.309
Tiwary, A., Rimal, A., Paudyal, B., Sigdel, K. R., & Basnyat, B. (2019). Poor communication by health care professionals may lead to life-threatening complications: Examples from two case reports. Wellcome Open Research, 4(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15042.1
Tsai, C. H., Eghdam, A., Davoody, N., Wright, G., Flowerday, S., & Koch, S. (2020). Effects of electronic health record implementation and barriers to adoption and use: A scoping review and qualitative analysis of the content. Life, 10(12), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.3390/life10120327
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Question 
Write a 4-6 page analysis of a current problem or issue in health care, including a proposed solution and possible ethical implications.
Introduction
Note: The requirements outlined below correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide. At a minimum, be sure to address each point. In addition, you are encouraged to review the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed.
- Describe the health care problem or issue you selected for use in Assessment 2 and provide details about it.
- As you describe the topic you explored in Assessment 2, use the first four steps of the Socratic Problem-Solving Approach to aid your critical thinking. This approach was introduced in Assessment 2.
- Identify possible causes for the problem or issue.
- Use scholarly information to describe and explain the health care problem or issue and identify possible causes for it.
- Identify at least three scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles about the topic.
- You may find the How Do I Find Peer-Reviewed Articles? library guide helpful in locating appropriate references.
- You may use articles you found while working on Assessment 2 or you may search the Capella library for other articles.
- You may find the applicable Undergraduate Library Research Guide helpful in your search.
- Review the Think Critically About Source Quality to help you complete the following:
- Assess the credibility of the information sources.
- Assess the relevance of the information sources.
- Identify at least three scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles about the topic.
- Analyze the health care problem or issue.
- Describe the setting or context for the problem or issue.
- Describe why the problem or issue is important to you.
- Identify groups of people affected by the problem or issue.
- Provide examples that support your analysis of the problem or issue.
- Discuss potential solutions for the health care problem or issue.
- Describe what would be required to implement a solution.
- Describe potential consequences of ignoring the problem or issue.
- Provide the pros and cons for one of the solutions you are proposing.
- Explain the ethical principles (Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy, and Justice) if potential solution was implemented.
- Describe what would be necessary to implement the proposed solution.
- Explain the ethical principles that need to be considered (Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy, and Justice) if the potential solution was implemented.
- Provide examples from the literature to support the points you are making.
Example Assessment: You may use the following to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like:
- Assessment 4 Example [PDF] (Attached)
Additional Requirements
Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:
- Length: 4–6 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference page.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
- APA tutorial: Use the APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] for guidance.
- Written communication: Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
- Using outside sources: Integrate information from outside sources into academic writing by appropriately quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, following APA style.
- References: Integrate information from outside sources to include at least three scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles and three in-text citations within the paper.
- APA format: Follow current APA guidelines for in-text citations of outside sources in the body of your paper and also on the reference page.
Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue: Healthcare System Errors
Organize your paper using the following structure and headings:
- Title page. A separate page.
- Introduction. A brief one-paragraph statement about the purpose of the paper.
- Elements of the problem/issue. Identify the elements of the problem or issue or question.
- Analysis. Analyze, define, and frame the problem or issue.
- Considering options. Consider solutions, responses, or answers.
- Solution. Choose a solution, response, or answer.
- Ethical implications. Ethical implications of implementing the solution.
- Implementation. Implementation of the potential solution.
- Conclusion. One paragraph.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Apply information literacy and library research skills to obtain scholarly information in the field of health care.
- Use scholarly information to describe and explain a health care problem or issue and identify possible causes for it.
- Competency 2: Apply scholarly information through critical thinking to solve problems in the field of health care.
- Analyze a health care problem or issue by describing the context, explaining why it is important and identifying populations affected by it.
- Discuss potential solutions for a health care problem or issue and describe what would be required to implement a solution.
- Competency 3: Apply ethical principles and academic standards to the study of health care.
- Explain the ethical principles (Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy, and Justice) if potential solution was implemented
- Competency 4: Write for a specific audience, in appropriate tone and style, in accordance with Capella’s writing standards.
- Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
- Write following APA style for in-text citations, quotes, and references.
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