Question

What definition of quality and safety does it represent? How would you want to change it, if you were thinking of taking the job? Now consider the job description in Exhibit 6-2. What are the significant changes in the job that it suggests? Would it make it more attractive to you? Now consider the job description in Exhibit 6-3. What are the significant changes in this iteration of the job description? Assuming that they were requested by Dr. McLaughlin, what do you think that she was trying to accomplish with those changes? Which of the duties in that final job description would you personally like to handle or not handle? Why?

Answer 1

Review the job description in Exhibit 6-1. What definition of quality and safety does it represent? How would you want to change it, if you were thinking of taking the job?

I believe that safety is defined as the degree to which potential risk and unintended results are avoided or minimized. (Definitions of safety and quality of health care) I see the job description showing that safety is to reduce risks, rather than to prevent harm. As for Quality, it is defined as assessing how well the health system is performing in its mission to improve the health.(Definitions of safety and quality of health care) This definition is more accurate in describing her job duties rather than comparing the system against others in performance.

In my opinion, the job description lacks other definitions for quality and safety. I believe that by adding both definitions of quality and safety, the job description would give better description, and show the job as more inviting.

2. Now consider the job description in Exhibit 6-2. What are the significant changes in the job that it suggests? Would it make it more attractive to you?

The first change I notice is the tracking of quality for Children’s Hospital. I believe by comparing the results to other hospitals’ you will better be able to improve certain functions. The second difference is that it is easier to read and follow than the initial description. The job is more inviting and less “big words” to talk it up. I feel that the general description can be changed a bit to show a more synopsis of the job.

3. Now consider the job description in Exhibit 6-3. What are the significant changes in this iteration of the job description? Assuming that they were requested by Dr. McLaughlin, what do you think that she was trying to accomplish with those changes?

I believe that Dr. McLaughlin was attempting to detail out all job duties in single subject line items. The significant changes are that the list increased from 11 to 14 line items, and decreased in description of the duty to be performed.

4. Which of the duties in that final job description would you personally like to handle or not handle? Why?

I would personally like to handle assessing the impact of CPOE on the care of children and work to maximize the potential for safe implementation. The reason being, I am a firm believer in “work smarter, not harder.” The idea that electronic records of previous cases and EB material shows different outcomes for different scenarios allows those scenarios to be exploited and be applied to current situations. If something works 9 times out of 10, that solution should be attempted prior to other options.