What should a hospital administrator consider implementing to improve outcomes for emergency room visits related to weather events?

Implementing a permanent quality improvement (QI) team in a hospital setting is a strategic approach to enhance outcomes for emergency room visits, particularly those prompted by weather events. A permanent QI team focuses on continuous assessment and improvement of processes, protocols, and patient care standards. By establishing such a team, the hospital can systematically analyze data specifically related to weather-related emergencies, identify trends, and develop targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Moreover, a permanent QI team fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability among the staff, ensuring that all employees are engaged in quality initiatives and responsive to changing needs. This approach allows the team to adapt quickly to new challenges posed by weather events, such as surges in patient volume or specific treatment needs, leading to better preparedness and response strategies.

On the other hand, creating a temporary quality improvement team might not provide the same level of sustained focus and strategic development, as it would likely disband after achieving its goals. Reducing staff hours contradicts the need for adequate staffing during peak times brought on by emergencies. Hiring additional nursing staff only may address short-term operational challenges but does not encompass the broader, systemic issues that a permanent QI team could address.