BHA499 Case 3

“High-Level” Quality of Care Name Institution Course and Code Professor Date “High-Level” Quality of Care Introduction High-level quality of care refers to the provision of care that is guided by evidence-based professional knowledge and one that increases the possibility of desired health outcomes for populations and individuals. According to US National Academy of Medicine, this type of care is effective, safe, efficient, timely, patient-centered, and equitable (Hannawa et al., 2022). High-level care quality is significant for various reasons. It leads to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, improved healthcare experiences and more effective disease prevention actions. It also minimizes healthcare costs by reducing adverse events and unnecessary procedures. Therefore, it should be the priority focus for healthcare organizations globally. “How “High-Level” Quality of Care Can Better Prepare an Organization to Handle a Pandemic” While normal care has received the majority of attention, providing high-quality care during health emergencies, like pandemics, when health systems are under stress, is just as vital. During a pandemic, lack of access to good quality important services can increase mortality and morbidity. The Covid-19 pandemic, for instance, revealed deficiencies in different health organizations capacity to continue providing basic services of high quality as resources and focus were directed toward pandemic response and management (Maliqi et al. 2023). Similarly, research indicates that the 2014 Ebola outbreak in west Africa had more detrimental indirect effects than direct ones. These effects included increased mortality and morbidity from unrelated illnesses and a decline in public confidence in using healthcare services. Although the impact of crises on health outcomes is a measure of the ability of health care organizations to handle emergencies, it may also point to underlying issues such the lack of existing "high-level" quality care. Organizations that have it have established protocols, well-trained personnel, and robust systems in place to ensure high-quality care provision during such crisis. There is also a high probability that they have effective infection control measures, access to necessary resources, and mechanisms for timely communication and coordination which are extremely vital in preventing infectious diseases spread and lessen their impact by reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, health organizations that prioritize and maintain high-quality care standards are better positioned to handle pandemics effectively. “Identifying Whether the Lack of Quality of Care Contributed to the Spread at the Soldiers’ Home” The lack of quality of care and measures did contribute greatly to the disease’s spread at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Crucial issues such as understaffing and harsh working conditions were overlooked despite the home receiving glowing reviews from the Veterans Affairs (VA) inspections for meeting or provisionally meeting health and safety standards. Union representatives had for a very long time presented their concerns about these issues, including chronic understaffing, mandatory overtime, and the resulting fatigue among employees (Armstrong, 2020). The staff shortage most probably facilitated the quick spreading of the virus all over the home because employees faced challenges in adequately providing car to the residents. Also, the administration’s lack of foresight and poor decision making exemplified by merging residents from different wards due to staffing challenges, worsened the situation. Reports further indicate that the administration discouraged mask wearing which must have further endangered both staff and residents (Armstrong, 2020). These systemic failures in providing adequate care and ensuring safety directly contributed to the devastating outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, resulting in numerous deaths and infections among veterans and staff alike. “Federal Review of Holyoke Soldiers' Home. Was it Adequate or Inadequate?” In particular, the federal review of Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was inadequate. It comprised majorly of a table listing 231 standards, or categories, which showed that it had “met” or provisionally “met” each of them. However, a United States Department of Veterans Affairs ...