Appreciative Quality
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| Appreciative quality |
HEALTHCARE QUALITY CONCEPTS
THREE ASPECTS OF QUALITY
THE “MAP”
Quality in healthcare actually has three aspects under whose influence we work.
Appreciative quality
It is the comprehension and appraisal of excellence beyond minimal standards and criteria, requiring the sometimes even non-articulate judgments of skilled, experienced practitioners and sensitive, caring persons.
Peer review bodies rely on the judgments of like professionals in determining the quality or non-quality of specific patient-practitioner interactions. Courts of law use "expert witnesses" to determine whether professional behavior was "reasonable" or "negligent."
Seeing the Bright Side: Appreciative Quality in Healthcare
In healthcare, we strive for excellence every day. But sometimes, our focus on fixing problems can overshadow the amazing things we already do. This is where appreciative inquiry, or appreciative quality, comes in. It's a way to identify and build upon the strengths and successes that already exist within our teams and healthcare systems.
Why Focus on Appreciative Quality?
- Here's how appreciating the good can benefit us:
- Boosts Morale and Engagement: Recognizing successes and strengths motivates staff and creates a more positive work environment.
- Improves Innovation: By learning from what works well, we can build upon those successes to develop creative solutions for future challenges.
- Strengthens Teamwork: Appreciative inquiry fosters collaboration and a sense of shared purpose amongst healthcare professionals.
- Enhances Patient Experience: A positive and engaged workforce leads to better communication and a more supportive environment for patients.
How Does Appreciative Inquiry Work?
Unlike traditional problem-solving methods, appreciative inquiry focuses on asking positive questions. Here's a simplified example:
Instead of "What are the biggest challenges we face in reducing wait times?", we might ask, "Tell me about a time when our team worked together to efficiently see patients".
By exploring past successes and positive experiences, we can:
- Identify the strengths and skills within our teams.
- Understand what contributes to positive outcomes for patients.
- Learn best practices that can be replicated across the healthcare system.
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Putting Appreciative Inquiry into Practice
There are many ways to incorporate appreciative inquiry into your daily routine:
- Team Meetings: Dedicate time to discuss positive experiences and what made them successful.
- Patient Feedback: Look for positive comments and use them to highlight exceptional care.
- Recognition Programs: Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements.
By adopting an appreciative lens, we can create a more positive, collaborative, and successful healthcare environment for both patients and staff.