DQ: Compare two organizational readiness tools

DQ: Compare two organizational readiness tools

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has an evidence-based safety and teamwork communication program by the name of TeamSTEPPS. This evidence-based program has been around for 20 years, and is now an evidence-based intervention effective at improving perceptions of teamwork, communication and trust, as well as sound data supporting improved patient safety metrics in an organization (AHRQ, 2021). With this, a readiness assessment is highlighted as a key part of the process to ensure an organization is ready for TeamSTEPPS implementation. Utilizing the AHRQ TeamSTEPPS Readiness Assessment, areas of defined need, readiness for change in culture, time/resources/personnel, and sustainment of the change are assessed in a checklist format that is easy-to-use for any individual assessing whether or not this intervention is right for one’s organization (AHRQ, 2021).

Comparatively, the Maryland Healthcare Commission (2019) provides a tool for healthcare organizations interested in implementing a standardized telehealth program with aim to improve the safety, quality, fiscal stewardship and patient experience side of healthcare. The readiness assessment provided- includes core readiness, financial considerations, operations, staff engagement and patient readiness. Maryland Healthcare Commission highlights a toolkit they’ve created to guide the assessment of successful improvement of one’s healthcare system telehealth practices.

Upon comparison of these two organizational readiness assessments, I believe that both highlight similar high-level aims, such as resources, leadership support and current human culture and openness to change. However, due to the current state of my place of employment, the TeamSTEPPS organizational readiness assessment appears to be targeted toward our highlighted goals of patient safety and teamwork/communication among staff. With these key areas highlighted in the assessment, and a pre-survey attached to the AHRQ readiness assessment to gauge with sound validity and reliability the perceptions of the caregivers, I believe this would be best suited for my current organization.

References

US Department of Health and Human Services (2021). Readiness assessment & developing project aims. Https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/quality/toolbox/508pdfs/readinessassessment.pdf

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2021). Readiness assessment. https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps/reaidness/index.html