|  | Healthcare Industry | Healthcare Management

Quality of Service Protocols

Assuring the best possible care for patients is an important part of the health care system. To ensure quality service, health care facilities across the globe have begun implementing a protocol for employees to follow which details how to provide that type of service. Protocols are systematic instructions about how to perform a specific task. Exceptional patient care, well-maintained equipment and a comfortable environment all play a part in providing quality service and can be included within the protocol.

  1. Provide Exceptional Patient Care

    • Providing the best possible patient care is included in quality service. Protocols regarding the quality of service should include instructions about how to perform procedures, testing and treatments in a way that is best for each patient. Maintaining a high standard of care can be demonstrated in the protocol by including considerations such as patient dignity, comfort and compliance. Include details such as closing doors and curtains as well as covering patients during care to preserve dignity. Tips for persuading patients to be compliant with care and treatment can be added to the protocol. Suggestions about how to provide comfort during care may also be written in the protocol.

    Maintain Equipment

    • Properly functioning and well-maintained equipment helps health care providers give patients high-quality service during their stay at the facility. Poorly maintained equipment may not work properly or cause harm if used on patients. Include the correct way to use, clean and store equipment used on patients within the protocol. This will advise employees how to handle the equipment before, during and after patient use. A protocol for each type of equipment used to provide patient care should be added to the quality of service protocol.

    Create a Comfortable Environment

    • A comfortable environment where patients can recover from their illness or injury can improve the quality of service by giving patients an ideal place for recuperation. The quality of service protocol should include instructions detailing how and when cleaning and disinfection should be performed. A clean environment helps prevent the spread of infection and also improves the quality of service. The protocol can also explain when certain procedures, tests or care should be performed. Providing specific care during certain times can help provide a better quality of service by promoting comfort and routine.

      For example, a nurse is assigned to give a patient a bed bath. The quality of service protocol states bed baths should be performed during the hours of 7 AM through 11 AM; therefore the nurse will provide the patient with a bed bath during these hours which is more reasonable than waking the patient up at 4 AM to perform the bath.

Healthcare Management - Related Articles