Of the following, which item is not a desired outcome of continued quality improvement (CQI) programs in an EMS system?

Of the following, which item is not a desired outcome of continued quality improvement (CQI) programs in an EMS system?
A . Provide statistics on call volume, patient profiles, and skills performed.
B . Develop and implement a disciplinary policy for any type of variance in care rendered by the EMS providers.
C . Allow the opportunity to identify potential topics for continuing education for the system’s emergency providers.
D . Provide a system of internal checks and balances that assures quality care is delivered, and system weaknesses are identified.

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

The benefits of a well-run Continuous Quality Improvement program for an Emergency Medical Service system goes well beyond the ability to assess system performance. It allows for the collection of data for statistical analysis, provides a means by which areas of system weakness can be determined and addressed in a checks and balance manner, and also allows the ability to determine what type of continuing education courses may be offered since many times case studies are done on interesting calls. One thing that Continuous Quality Improvement programs should not do is develop and implement punitive recourses, should an area of improvement be identified. This would lead to providers who get better at hiding system weaknesses through inaccurate patient care reports and who are apprehensive to bring up concerns with management.