Nurse Practitioner Quality Measures
Preparing the Assignment
Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the assignment. Contact your course faculty if you have questions.
General Instructions
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) ensures the quality of client care using defined standards. Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS)Links to an external site. is a performance measurement tool millions of health insurance plans use. HEDIS includes six domains of care:
Effectiveness of Care
Access/Availability of Care
Experience of Care
Utilization and Risk Adjusted Utilization
Health Plan Descriptive Information
Measures Collected Using Electronic Clinical Data Systems
Select one NCQA HEDIS measure related to your future practice area. Use the Nurse Practitioner Quality Measures WorksheetLinks to an external site. to complete the assignment.
Follow APA grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation rules consistent with formal, scholarly writing.
Provide reference support from at least three scholarly resources according to program expectationsLinks to an external site.. Include in-text citations in APA format when applicable.
Abide by Chamberlain University’s academic integrity policy.
Include the following sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the grading rubric).
Identification of the Selected Measure
Identify the selected performance measure.
Analyze the selected measure for clinical significance and evidence base.
Describe practical implications for practice.
Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
Implementation Planning
Develop a quality improvement plan for implementing the selected measure in your current or future practice, including:
Strategies for client education
Clinical workflow integration
Documentation
Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
Measurement
Identify a tool or data collection technique to measure the outcomes of implementing the selected measure.
Describe how the tool can be successfully implemented.
Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
Application to Practice
Discuss how the interventions can improve client outcomes.
Discuss how the interventions can improve cost savings for the practice.
Discuss how the interventions can improve client ratings (an NP’s patient scorecard).
Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
Reflection
Reflect on the importance of using NCQA HEDIS measures in clinical practice.
Identify two key takeaways to apply to your current or future practice.
NR584NP_W5_Nurse Practitioner Quality Measures Rubric
NR584NP_W5_Nurse Practitioner Quality Measures Rubric
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentification of Measure
4 Required Criteria
1. Identify the selected performance measure.
2. Analyze the selected measure for clinical significance and evidence base.
3. Describe practical implications for practice.
4. Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
50 pts
Excellent
All requirements met.
46 pts
Very Good
3 requirements met.
42 pts
Satisfactory
2 requirements met.
25 pts
Needs Improvement
1 requirement met.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
No requirements met.
50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeImplementation Planning
Develop a quality improvement plan for implementing the selected measure in your current or future practice.
4 Required Criteria
1. Strategies for client education
2. Clinical workflow integration
3. Documentation
4. Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
30 pts
Excellent
All requirements met.
27 pts
Very Good
3 requirements met.
25 pts
Satisfactory
2 requirements met.
15 pts
Needs Improvement
1 requirement met.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
No requirements met.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMeasurement
3 Required Criteria
1. Identify a tool or data collection technique to measure the outcomes of implementing the selected measure.
2. Describe how the tool can be successfully implemented.
3. Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
25 pts
Excellent
All requirements met.
23 pts
Satisfactory
2 requirements met.
13 pts
Needs Improvement
1 requirement met.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
No requirements met.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplication to Practice
4 Required Criteria
1. Discuss how the interventions can improve client outcomes.
2. Discuss how the interventions can improve cost savings for the practice.
3. Discuss how the interventions can improve client ratings (an NP’s patient scorecard).
4. Provide support from at least one scholarly source.
50 pts
Excellent
All requirements met.
46 pts
Very Good
3 requirements met.
42 pts
Satisfactory
2 requirements met.
25 pts
Needs Improvement
1 requirement met.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
No requirements met.
50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReflection
3 Required Criteria
1. Reflect on the importance of using NCQA HEDIS measures in clinical practice.
2. Identify TWO key takeaways to apply to your current or future practice.
• Key takeaway 1
• Key takeaway 2
25 pts
Excellent
All requirements met.
23 pts
Satisfactory
2 requirements met.
13 pts
Needs Improvement
1 requirement met.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
No requirements met.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Format
Citation and Reference Formation
Use the current APA format to format citations and references and is free of errors.
5 pts
Excellent
0-1 errors.
4 pts
Very Good
2-3 errors.
3 pts
Satisfactory
4-5 errors.
2 pts
Needs Improvement
6-7 errors.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
More than 7 errors.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeScholarly Sources
3 Required Criteria
Provide resources from at least three scholarly sources from program expectations.
• First Source
• Second Source
• Third Source
10 pts
Excellent
All requirements met.
8 pts
Satisfactory
2 requirements met.
5 pts
Needs Improvement
1 requirement met.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
No requirements met.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Requirements
Communicate with minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation.
5 pts
Excellent
0-1 errors.
4 pts
Very Good
2-3 errors.
3 pts
Satisfactory
4-5 errors.
2 pts
Needs Improvement
6-7 errors.
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
More than 7 errors.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLate Penalty Deductions
Students are expected to submit assignments by the time they are due. Assignments submitted after the due date and time will receive a deduction of 10% of the total points possible for that assignment for each day the assignment is late. Assignments will be accepted, with penalty as described, up to a maximum of three days late, after which point a zero will be recorded for the assignment. Quizzes and discussions are not considered assignments and are not part of the late assignment policy.
0 pts
No Points Deducted
Assignment submitted on time. No points deducted.
0 pts
Points Deducted
-10% points/day up to 3 days late
0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of Template
10% will be deducted if the template is not used.
0 pts
No Points Deducted
Template used.
0 pts
Points Deducted
20 points will be deducted if tte required template is not used.
0 pts
**Identification of the Selected Measure**
The selected NCQA HEDIS measure for analysis is “Comprehensive Diabetes Care: Hemoglobin A1c Testing” under the Effectiveness of Care domain. This measure assesses the percentage of patients aged 18-75 years with diabetes who had an HbA1c test during the measurement period.
The clinical significance of this measure lies in its role in monitoring glycemic control in diabetic patients, which is crucial for preventing complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Evidence shows that regular monitoring of HbA1c levels and appropriate management can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of diabetes-related complications.
Practically, implementing this measure involves ensuring that diabetic patients receive regular HbA1c testing as recommended by clinical guidelines. This requires coordination between healthcare providers, patients, and support staff to schedule and perform the tests, interpret the results, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
(Source: American Diabetes Association. (2021). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021. Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S7-S8.)
**Implementation Planning**
For implementing the “Comprehensive Diabetes Care: Hemoglobin A1c Testing” measure, the following strategies can be employed:
Client Education: Educate diabetic patients about the importance of regular HbA1c testing in monitoring their disease and preventing complications. Provide information on the significance of HbA1c levels, target ranges, and the frequency of testing.
Clinical Workflow Integration: Integrate HbA1c testing into routine clinical workflows to ensure seamless and timely screening for diabetic patients. Implement electronic health record (EHR) prompts or reminders for providers to order HbA1c tests during patient visits.
Documentation: Ensure accurate documentation of HbA1c test results in patients’ medical records, along with associated clinical data such as date of test, test value, and interpretation. Use standardized documentation templates or tools to facilitate consistent recording of information.
(Source: American Association of Diabetes Educators. (2017). AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors.)
**Measurement**
To measure the outcomes of implementing the “Comprehensive Diabetes Care: Hemoglobin A1c Testing” measure, a data collection tool such as a quality improvement registry or EHR system can be utilized. This tool can capture relevant data points, including the number of diabetic patients eligible for HbA1c testing, the percentage of patients who received the test, and the frequency of testing over time.
Successful implementation of the data collection tool involves training healthcare providers and staff on its use, ensuring accurate data entry and retrieval, and establishing processes for regular data review and analysis. Regular monitoring of performance metrics allows for ongoing assessment of adherence to HbA1c testing guidelines and identification of areas for improvement.
(Source: American College of Physicians. (2018). Electronic Health Records (EHRs).)
**Application to Practice**
Implementing the “Comprehensive Diabetes Care: Hemoglobin A1c Testing” measure can lead to several benefits for both patients and the practice:
Improved Client Outcomes: Regular HbA1c testing enables timely detection of changes in glycemic control, allowing for prompt adjustments to treatment plans and interventions. This can lead to better management of diabetes and reduced risk of complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Cost Savings for the Practice: By effectively managing diabetes through regular HbA1c testing and appropriate interventions, healthcare practices can potentially reduce the need for costly treatments, hospitalizations, and complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. This can result in overall cost savings for the practice and the healthcare system.
Enhanced Client Ratings: Implementing evidence-based measures such as HbA1c testing demonstrates a commitment to quality care and patient safety, which can positively impact client ratings and satisfaction scores. Patients are more likely to trust providers who prioritize preventive care and adherence to clinical guidelines, leading to higher ratings and reputation for the practice.
(Source: Lianov, L. & Johnson, M. (2010). Physician competencies for prescribing lifestyle medicine. Journal of the American Medical Association, 304(2), 202-203.)
**Reflection**
Using NCQA HEDIS measures such as “Comprehensive Diabetes Care: Hemoglobin A1c Testing” in clinical practice is essential for promoting evidence-based care, monitoring quality performance, and improving patient outcomes. These measures serve as benchmarks for assessing the delivery of healthcare services and identifying areas for quality improvement.
Two key takeaways from this assignment include the importance of implementing standardized measures to monitor and improve the quality of care provided to patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes. Additionally, the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and practice-wide initiatives in achieving optimal patient outcomes and meeting quality standards cannot be overstated.
(Source: NCQA. (2021). HEDIS Measures and Technical Resources.)
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