When outcomes do not meet expectations, what is an appropriate next step?

When outcomes do not meet expectations, measuring the processes that produce those outcomes is a critical next step. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of where the problems may lie within the healthcare delivery process. By examining the processes, practitioners can identify specific areas that may be contributing to suboptimal outcomes, such as inefficiencies, deviations from best practices, or potential gaps in care.

This step is essential because it promotes a data-driven approach to quality improvement. By collecting and analyzing process metrics, healthcare providers can pinpoint the reasons behind the unexpected outcomes and develop targeted interventions to enhance care quality and effectiveness. Moreover, this proactive measure encourages continuous improvement by utilizing evidence to inform decision-making rather than relying on assumptions or anecdotal evidence.

The other options compromise the integrity of the quality improvement process. Changing treatment protocols without data could lead to unintended consequences and worsen patient outcomes. Reducing patient follow-up might hamper the ability to gather essential information on patient progress and could neglect the necessary support for recovery. Limiting the scope of outcomes assessed may ignore critical factors that contribute to quality and safety, thereby preventing comprehensive evaluation and enhancements in care.