ASSIGNMENT | Accountability in Healthcare

This week we investigate the concept of accountability and what it means in health care. We also explore the latest statistics from the IOM that estimate that the 3rd leading cause of death in the US is its own healthcare system with an estimated 440,000 preventable deaths per year! Nurse leaders play a key role in advancing our healthcare system and ensuring patient safety.

Review the materials presented this week:

1. Watch the documentary, A Decade After To Err Is Human : https://youtu.be/-pXQGTtbrrE
   The #3 leading cause of death in the United States is its own healthcare system. Medical mistakes lead to as many as 440,000 preventable deaths every year and harm millions more.
   Directed by the son of late patient safety pioneer, Dr. John M. Eisenberg, To Err Is Human is an in-depth documentary about this silent epidemic and those working behind the scenes to create a new age of patient safety. Through interviews with leaders in health care, footage of real-world efforts leading to safer care, and one family’s compelling journey from tragedy to empowerment, the film provides a unique and hopeful look at our health care system’s ongoing fight against preventable harm.
2. Read the blog: Creating a Culture of Ownership and Accountability

Assignment
As nurse leaders, we play a role in accountable care and ownership. There are several opinions about developing accountability in health care. While most agree that there is room for improvement; approaches sometimes differ. After reading the article and blog posted for this week, share your thoughts on whether these authors offer valid insight. Also, give an example from practice whereby accountability might be improved upon. As a leader, how might you participate in a successful outcome for this situation.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Establishing a business and ensuring it succeeds takes a whole lot of effort. The business owner must own and prioritize the business and ensure that employees maintain the highest level of accountability. In the blog, Brennan (2016) argues that business players must follow through on their business and create an environment where other stakeholders are responsible for their actions. Additionally, progress should be monitored, and a culture of trust with employees established for the growth of the business. An almost similar opinion is voiced by the documentary, where the underlying theme is that….