Wk 6 Policy and Clinical Practice

The application of public policy provides guidance and standardizes health care practices affecting patient care. Students will analyze how public policy is interpreted in their chosen setting. This assignment provides students with comprehension of how organizations address gaps between public policy and clinical practice.
Review the AHRQ Gap Analysis Instructions. (See attached, Wk 6 Gap Analysis)
Write a 1,750-word APA-formatted paper in which you:
• Describe a public policy that has an effect on your practice or on the problem you are working on. (Long Term Care, Health Care Acquired Infections, Handwashing)
• Analyze the gap that exists between the organization and chosen public policy.
o Complete a gap analysis on your selected problem and public policy using the Quality Indicators Toolkit from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
• Evaluate the patient care and organizational consequences of the existing gap (e.g., lack of licensure, decreased reimbursement for care, fines, patient dissatisfaction, and reputation).
• Analyze the chosen measure(s) (solution) the organization has implemented to close the existing gap.
o Identify the toolkit that the organization chose as a guideline for success (e.g., EBP, Joint Commission standards).
o Provide the timeline for completion.
o Propose the responsible personnel who will ensure the gap closes.
o Evaluate existing barriers to a successful implementation.
o A review of these organizations’ websites will provide helpful examples:
 The Joint Commission Performance Measurement
 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
 For Professionals – Hospitals and Health systems
 For Policymakers
 U.S. National Library of Medicine
 National Institutes of Health
 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Regulations & Guidance

Grading Criteria: Policy and Clinical Practice
Content: 14 points possible Points possible Points earned
Described a public policy that has an effect on the student’s practice or the problem they are working on. 2
Analyzed the gap that exists between the organization and chosen public policy. 4
Evaluated the patient care and organizational consequences resulting from the existing gap. 4
Analyzed the chosen measure(s) (solution) the organization has implemented to close the existing gap. 4
Format: 1 points possible Points possible Points earned
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, APA formatting 1
Total 15