Introduction
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has identified six aims for better healthcare: safe, efficient, patient-centered, effective, timely, and equitable. Each aim has the potential to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare, but the focus will be on safe care. Thus, safe care can be defined as care that is free from errors and harm.
Main Body
In a healthcare setting, this definition includes ensuring that patients receive the correct diagnosis, treatment, and medications (Myers, 2011). It also means following all safety protocols and standards to protect patients from avoidable harm. One way in which safe care can be implemented in a healthcare setting is through evidence-based protocols, which have been proven through research and clinical experience to be effective in providing safe care (Elf et al., 2020). For example, a healthcare setting might use evidence-based protocols for preventing infections, such as proper hand-washing and the use of personal protective equipment.
Deemed status allows healthcare organizations to be recognized as meeting specific standards of quality and safety. This recognition is essential because it can increase reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and other payers. It can also help healthcare organizations attract and retain patients, as they can be confident that the organization is providing quality, safe care (Elf et al., 2020). By having deemed status, healthcare organizations can demonstrate that they are committed to providing safe care. This commitment is essential because it can increase patient safety by ensuring that all of the necessary protocols and standards are being followed. It can also lead to improved outcomes for patients, as they can be confident that they are receiving the safest care possible (Myers, 2011).
Conclusion
The IOM prominently aims for safe care, and healthcare organizations can use evidence-based protocols and deemed status to ensure that they are granting safe care. Furthermore, deemed status can provide assurance to patients that the organization is providing quality and safe care.
References
Elf, M., Anåker, A., Marcheschi, E., Sigurjónsson, Á., & Ulrich, R. S. (2020). The built environment and its impact on health outcomes and experiences of patients, significant others and staff—A protocol for a systematic review. Nursing Open, 7(3), 895-899.
Myers, S. (2011). Patient safety and hospital accreditation: A model for ensuring success. Springer Publishing Company.