If you work in an LTPAC setting you know the only thing that is constant in our field is change. There is, however, one process that has been with us, in one form or another, for quite a long time.

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement

Until recently Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement were two separate processes. These have since been streamlined into what we now know as the QAPI process. Let’s start off with the CMS definition of QAPI:

“QA is a process of meeting quality standards and assuring that care reaches an acceptable level. Nursing homes typically set QA thresholds to comply with regulations. They may also create standards that go beyond regulations. QA is a reactive, retrospective effort to examine why a facility failed to meet certain standards. QA activities do improve quality, but efforts frequently end once the standard is met.

PI (also called Quality Improvement - QI) is a pro-active and continuous study of processes with the intent to prevent or decrease the likelihood of problems by identifying areas of opportunity and testing new approaches to fix underlying causes of persistent/systemic problems. PI in nursing homes aims to improve processes involved in health care delivery and resident quality of life. PI can make good quality even better.”

5 Elements of QAPI

QAPI is then further divided into five elements as defined by CMS below. Each of these five elements must be an integral part of your QAPI process in order to build a successful program.

Element 1: Design and Scope

A QAPI program must be ongoing and comprehensive, dealing with the full range of services offered by the facility, including the full range of departments. When fully implemented, the QAPI program should address all systems of care and management practices, and should always include clinical care, quality of life, and resident choice. It aims for safety and high quality with all clinical interventions while emphasizing autonomy and choice in daily life for residents (or resident’s agents). It utilizes the best available evidence to define and measure goals. Nursing homes will have in place a written QAPI plan adhering to these principles.

Element 2: Governance and Leadership

The governing body and/or administration of the nursing home develops a culture that involves leadership seeking input from facility staff, residents, and their families and/or representatives. The governing body assures adequate resources exist to conduct QAPI efforts. This includes designating one or more persons to be accountable for QAPI; developing leadership and facility-wide training on QAPI; and ensuring staff time, equipment, and technical training as needed. The Governing Body should foster a culture where QAPI is a priority by ensuring that policies are developed to sustain QAPI despite changes in personnel and turnover. Their responsibilities include setting expectations around safety, quality, rights, choice, and respect by balancing safety with resident-centered rights and choice. The governing body ensures staff accountability, while creating an atmosphere where staff is comfortable identifying and reporting quality problems as well as opportunities for improvement.

Element 3: Feedback, Data Systems and Monitoring

The facility puts systems in place to monitor care and services, drawing data from multiple sources. Feedback systems actively incorporate input from staff, residents, families, and others as appropriate. This element includes using Performance Indicators to monitor a wide range of care processes and outcomes, and reviewing findings against benchmarks and/or targets the facility has established for performance. It also includes tracking, investigating, and monitoring Adverse Events that must be investigated every time they occur, and action plans implemented

Element 4: Performance Improvement Projects

A Performance Improvement Project (PIP) is a concentrated effort on a particular problem in one area of the facility or facility-wide; it involves gathering information systematically to clarify issues or problems, and intervening for improvements. The facility conducts PIPs to examine and improve care or services in areas that the facility identifies as needing attention. Areas that need attention will vary depending on the type of facility and the unique scope of services they provide.

Element 5: Systematic Analysis and Systematic Action

The facility uses a systematic approach to determine when in-depth analysis is needed to fully understand the problem, its causes, and implications of a change. The facility uses a thorough and highly organized/ structured approach to determine whether and how identified problems may be caused or exacerbated by the way care and services are organized or delivered. Additionally, facilities will be expected to develop policies and procedures and demonstrate proficiency in the use of Root Cause Analysis. Systemic Actions look comprehensively across all involved systems to prevent future events and promote sustained improvement. This element includes a focus on continual learning and continuous improvement.

CMS Tools and Guides on the QAPI Process

When you are ready to begin work on your QAPI process, CMS has published an assortment of tools and guides to help you to navigate. The following are links to the CMS sites regarding the QAPI process. In Part Two of QAPI for the LTPAC in 2016, I will be discussing the 12 steps of the QAPI process.

https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Downloads/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-13-05.pdf

https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/QAPI/nhqapi.html

https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/QAPI/Downloads/qapifiveelements.pdf

https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-andcertification/qapi/downloads/processtoolframework.pdf

https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/qapi/downloads/qapiataglance.pdf

Contact Richter Healthcare Consultants with any questions you may have about the QAPI process.