QUALITY METRICS FOR CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Question one
A measure that is connected of hypertension management is regulation of high blood pressure. On the other hand, diabetes management involves eye examination, HbA1c testing and foot examination (NCQA, n.d.). An example of measures that address the management of diabetes in an inpatient setting includes the tight monitoring of glucose level. In such a case, a patient has a sustained blood glucose level >180 mg per dl (Herzog, 2012).
Other metrics that influence diabetes management include age, social, economic status, and other metabolic abnormalities (Unger & Schwartz, 2013). Regarding the inpatient management of hypertension metrics such as regular monitoring of blood pressure are used. Other metrics that affect the management of hypertension include diet, smoking, weight and physical exercises (Moini, 2013). Hospital nurses employ metrics to manage chronic disease such as modified early warning signs (MEWS) that are utilized in rural community hospitals (Wolfenden et al., 2010). MEWS is a track and trigger system that is employed to monitor in-patients to establish the need of referring them to district general hospitals. This system improves the standard of care by ensuring safe, appropriate and timely transfer of the patients to advanced health facilities (Wolfenden et al., 2010). On the other hand, home health nurse employs pay-for-performance programs as metrics to improve the well-being of patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension (AHRQ, 2013a).
Question two
MEWS facilitates change in the management of diabetes and hypertension diseases through promotion and adoption of significant track and trigger systems. The system improves management of these chronic conditions by examining patients and notifying health care professionals when the condition is getting worse (Wolfenden et al., 2010). On the contrary, the process-of-care measures improve the management of hypertension and diabetes through available outcome result indicators. In addition, the process-of-care brings change in the management of such chronic illnesses by enhancing a shift in policy focus from procedures towards results as measures of clinical efficiency. These process-of-care measures contribute to a small-to-moderate percentage of the complete outcome advancement (AHRQ, 2013b). This proves that the quality of care does not depend on healthcare spending but the metrics employed in the management of chronic diseases (McKinney, 2010).
Question three
The computerized clinical decision support system (CCDS) is a current automated trigger system that is employed to guarantee suitable therapy for patients in long-term care facilities. It is a reactive response where the condition of a patient is examined, and the nurse communicates with physicians promptly. Computerized clinical decision support system reduces the cost of care in patients suffering from impaired kidney function. This is attained through continuous renal function examination that prevents adverse drug effects because the doctor has the opportunity to request laboratory tests and prescribe the correct treatment by the results (AHRQ, 2013b)
References
AHRQ. (2013a, February). Research Activities. February 2013, No. 390. Retrieved
AHRQ. (2013b). Research Activities. January 2013, No. 389. Retrieved December 29,
Herzog, E. (2012). The cardiac care unit survival guide. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & …
