NR 584 Week 3 Assignment: Risk Management Case Study Template

Assignment: Risk Management Case Study

Directions

This paper provides a critical analysis of the Week 3 Risk Management Case Study scenario, following the structured questions in the assignment worksheet. Each section presents an evidence-based discussion supported by scholarly references. All responses are formatted in compliance with APA guidelines, maintaining academic tone, structure, and scholarly rigor.

1. Identification

a. What is the primary risk event?

The primary risk event in the case scenario is delayed access to specialty care. Patients experience significant waiting periods before being able to consult an infectious disease specialist. These delays result in the worsening of medical conditions, diminished quality of life, and an increased likelihood of disease progression. Moreover, prolonged waiting times elevate the risk of complications, hospital admissions, and other preventable adverse health outcomes.

b. What is the most appropriate classification of the risk?

The identified risk is best classified as a hazard. Hazards are conditions or processes that place individuals in situations of potential harm or adverse effects. In this case, systemic inefficiencies and administrative barriers in scheduling specialty appointments create circumstances that expose patients to avoidable harm, discomfort, and deteriorating prognoses.

c. What is the risk domain?

The risk domain applicable to this case is Patient Safety and Quality of Care. This domain focuses on ensuring patient protection from preventable harm while promoting efficient and effective care delivery. Delayed access to specialized consultation compromises patient safety and reflects inefficiencies in the healthcare system’s operational processes.

2. Factors

Several underlying factors contribute to the identified risk. The following table summarizes the major contributing elements:

3. Proactive Measures

To mitigate delays and improve patient access, healthcare organizations can implement the following proactive interventions:

4. Mitigation Strategies

Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) play a vital role in developing and executing mitigation strategies to minimize risks associated with delays in specialty care.

5. Regulatory Foundations

a. Which regulatory agency provides guidance to manage risk?

The Joint Commission serves as the primary regulatory body providing standards, policies, and guidelines for healthcare organizations concerning patient safety and risk management.

b. What regulations apply?

The following Joint Commission standards and regulations are applicable:

6. Summary

a. How can the APN monitor the application and effectiveness of mitigation strategies?

APNs can assess the effectiveness of mitigation efforts through consistent auditing, outcome evaluations, and data analysis. Reviewing electronic health records (EHRs) enables tracking of referral timelines, while patient satisfaction surveys provide direct insights into perceived care quality. Continuous performance reviews and adaptation ensure ongoing improvement.

b. How will you apply mitigation strategies in practice?

In practice, mitigation strategies can be applied by integrating technology-based scheduling systems that reserve urgent appointment slots. Collaborating closely with specialists helps streamline referral pathways, while patient education initiatives and structured follow-up systems empower individuals to manage their conditions effectively until their specialist consultations occur. Regular audits ensure sustained effectiveness and quality outcomes.

c. What did you learn from this assignment?

This assignment emphasized the pivotal role of risk management in promoting patient safety. It reinforced the responsibility of APNs in coordinating care, advocating for systemic reforms, and educating patients. Moreover, aligning clinical practices with Joint Commission standards and evidence-based strategies promotes safety, quality, and efficiency in healthcare delivery. Addressing systemic delays requires proactive, technology-driven, and patient-centered approaches to achieve sustainable improvements.

References

American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers. (2020). Enterprise risk management: Implementing ERM. ASHRM. https://www.ashrm.org/system/files/media/file/2020/12/ERMImplementing-ERM-for-Sucecess-White-Paper_FINAL.pdf

Jalali, M., Dehghan, H., Habibi, E., & Khakzad, N. (2023). Application of “Human Factor Analysis and Classification System” (HFACS) model to the prevention of medical errors and adverse events: A systematic review. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(1), 127–127. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_123_22

Schwappach, D. L. B., & Wernli, M. (2019). Predictors of chemotherapy patients’ intentions to engage in medical error prevention. The Oncologist, 15(8), 903–912. https://doi.org/10.1634/theoncologist.2010-0117

NR 584 Week 3 Assignment: Risk Management Case Study Template

The Joint Commission. (n.d.). Sentinel event policy and procedures. https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/patient-safety-systems-chapter/sentinel-event/sentinel-event-policy-and-procedures