Quest For Quality Improvement Research Articles

Examining Wind Flow's Impact on Multi-Storey Buildings: A Quest for Quality Improvement

Abstract This scientific article delves into the intricacies of wind flow's impact on multi-storey buildings, presenting results from a series of experimental investigations. The research encompasses an examination of wind interactions with buildings of varying heights and geometric profiles. Furthermore, it unveils the effects of tall structures on the natural ventilation and smoke evacuation systems of shorter edifices, considering different wind flow directions. The study leverages specialized wind tunnel and measurement techniques for a comprehensive analysis of wind-induced loads on buildings. The acquired insights furnish crucial input for the design of single-story temporary modular constructions within densely populated urban areas, subject to wind-induced stresses. Additionally, they hold potential applicability in the advancement of energy-efficient technologies and strategies within the realm of construction. The acquired dataset underscores the criticality of scrutinizing wind flow's impact on structures of varied typologies and dimensions and will allow to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of modern buildings in the future.

Investigation of constraints faced by teaching and learning of chemistry in Nyarugenge district secondary schools: Quest for quality improvement

The present study investigated constraints faced by chemistry teaching and learning. It also suggested possible solutions for addressing the identified constraints. A total sample of 138 respondents including 125 students in chemistry combinations, 10 chemistry teachers and 3 directors of study were chosen purposefully to participate in this study. A qualitative research method using case study design was employed to gather necessary data. Content and thematic analysis methods were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that abstract nature of some chemistry concepts, lack of laboratory apparatus and chemicals, lack of laboratory technician to support chemistry teachers are major constraints faced by teaching and learning of chemistry. This study suggested that government and educational stakeholders should supply adequate chemicals and apparatus, chemistry teachers must use hands-on activities and video simulations to concretize chemistry concepts. Chemistry teachers should also motivate learners to enjoy chemistry to reduce negative attitude of students towards chemistry. Lastly the recruitment of laboratory attendants was also suggested as a major strategy to support chemistry teachers in preparation of chemistry practices.

Investigation of constraints faced by teaching and learning of chemistry in Nyarugenge district secondary schools: Quest for quality improvement

Investigation of constraints faced by teaching and learning of chemistry in Nyarugenge district secondary schools: Quest for quality improvement

Discussion

Discussion

Barriers in Teaching Learning Process of Mathematics at Secondary Level: A Quest for Quality Improvement

Mathematics is critical and significant to recognize the computerized world and match with the newly developing information technology knowledge in and is penetrating everywhere in the world. Considering the interrelation of mathematics and science Bangladesh Education Policy, 2010 prioritize mathematics education. However, in spite of this understanding of its importance the overall performance of students in mathematics is unsatisfactory and the number of students in science discipline quality of education. The main focus of the research is to find out the existing barriers in teaching- learning process of mathematics of grade IX-X. The research questions are to reveal the major problems in the teaching- learning process of mathematics and propose possible solution in order to overcome these barriers. A mixed design approach (triangulation) was used to collect data from teacher and students involved in the teaching and learning of mathematics. It was found that the problems are multifaceted and accordingly the solutions require overall effort from all concerned stakeholders. The problems range from pedagogical, social, economic, administrative and policy aspect to attitude of students and teachers, competence of teacher, and the overall teaching learning process. I believe this study will have a contribution in endeavor of identifying some of the major factors which obstruct the teaching and learning of mathematics and thereby towards possible solution. It could be also used as an initial work for those who are interested to do further studies in this area.

Surgeons and Quality Improvement: Individuals in an Evolving Process

Volume 9 Issue 2 presents an interesting series of articles that illustrate approaches to some of the many complications that occur following complex reconstructive procedures. These include a creative approach to the reconstruction of the quadriceps tendon in a diabetic patient and a new pharmacologic prophylaxis against heterotopic ossification. Morrison and his coauthors provide a thorough review of the increased risk of periprosthetic infection in patients with inflammatory arthropathy and address prevention, diagnosis, and treatment when this devastating complication occurs. I am particularly interested in the report by Dr. Klatt and colleagues which examined the blood utilization experience following total joint arthroplasty in a large hospital network. We live and work in an era of reform. It seems that most aspects of our practice are now subject to review with the aim that standardized practice should supplant the variability of the judgment and experience of the individual practitioner. Dr. Klatt’s report is a valuable lesson for those of us who debate these changes in practice. They found that blood utilization was conservative for most of the practitioners on their service and that the over use of blood transfusion could be attributed to two outliers. Over utilization of blood products is an obvious quality concern. Surgeons respond most often to evidence and data as well as to peer pressure. It will be interesting to note if these two outliers have modified their practice after review of the data regarding the use of transfusion by their colleagues on the service as a whole. At Hospital for Special Surgery, we have found peer review to be a valuable technique in the quest for quality improvement. Understanding how your own performance compares to your colleagues can provide useful insight that prompts a change for the better in your practice. I hope you enjoy reading these interesting articles. I also eagerly encourage you to consider the HSS Journal as a valuable forum for the publication of your future work.

The Quest for Quality Improvement: Using Six Sigma at Starwood Hotels and Resorts

In 2001, Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced that it would be the first hospitality company to embrace Six Sigma, a quality improvement program where the development and adoption of innovative customer-focused solutions were to result in improving the quality and consistency of guests' experiences and lead to enhanced financial performance. The purpose of this article is to illustrate this process improvement program and to document the application of Six Sigma within the hospitality industry. Findings indicated an increased use of cross-functional team approaches, effective use of expanded stakeholder partnerships, and the adoption of objective techniques and statistical testing to solve problems and improve the bottom line.

Implications of an Endless Nursing Shortage

The severe U.S. nursing shortage continues to create difficulties for health care providers and consumers. The shortage of licensed nurses is further complicated by forces in the health care industry such as reimbursement reductions and the quest for quality improvement. While these efforts have a plus side, they also have unintended negative effects on a long-term care system that is at times struggling to meet critical resident needs while increasing its reporting obligations to government and improving administrative recordkeeping. The nursing shortage, while obviously widespread, also has added implications for certain providers, such as those practicing in rural areas. In such locales, salaries are typically lower than in metropolitan areas. For that and other reasons, it’s often difficult to attract new nurses to many locations. Further, while most nurse-training programs are located near metropolitan areas and the higher-paying jobs there, long-term care facilities are spread throughout rural areas as well as cities and suburbs. Many rural LTC facilities are finding themselves with acute nursing shortages. For a small rural facility, the loss of just a few staff members can have devastating effects.

Using an American Model To Reduce Catheter-Associated UTI in England with a Novel Silver Alloy Foley

ISSUE: Nosocomial catheter-associated UTI (CA-UTI) are the commonest and most costly healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in England. The recent introduction of the silver-alloy hydrogel-coated Foley catheter to UK healthcare provides an opportunity to reduce the incidence of this HAI should U.S. results be replicated (mean reduction in CA-UTI rate of 35% recorded from approximately 250 product evaluations). Surveillance of CA-UTI is the exception, as the Department of Health's priority has been methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Infection Control Teams (ICTs) have been overstretched and underresourced (one Infection Control Nurse per ∼800 beds). Recently, the Chief Medical Officer published a strategy to reduce HAI which increases the amount of surveillance to be undertaken. PROJECT: Learning from U.S. Specialists how successful Performance Improvement Programs (PIP) are developed, a Quality Improvement Program (QIP) Framework has been developed by the Infection Control Clinical Consultant who can assist ICTs at all stages of the QIP as they evaluate this novel Foley. The increased unit cost of the improved product means cost-benefit analysis is integral to each QIP. RESULTS: Data for the first QIP is currently being analyzed. Several other QIP teams are collecting their baseline data at the time of writing. LESSONS LEARNED: Adapting the successful USA PIP template and experience to the National Health Service's quest for quality improvement has illustrated the variation in emphases, yet similar aims, between the two countries' healthcare systems. Reduction in CA-UTI, device-associated bacteremia and microbial resistance are common aims on both sides of the Atlantic.

Women’s primary health care and the search for quality

These remarks will address the subject of primary care for women and current efforts to improve the quality of that care. My perspective on this issue reflects the different aspects of my own work in women’s health, including primary care physician, medical group practice director, health services researcher, teacher of physicians, and patient educator. We will consider some of the current thinking on how to define and measure quality in women’s primary care, and the influence of health systems and technology in the quest for quality improvement.

The ABCs of QFD: formalizing the quest for cost‐effective customer delight

AbstractIn their quest for quality improvement, managers may sometimes feel as though they are adrift in a sea of acronyms. This article focuses on QFD— quality function deployment—carefully explaining the effective quality‐enhancing technique and demystifying its application.

Integrating Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management/Quality Improvement

Hospitals have joined other industries in the quest for quality improvement. Most healthcare organizations have processes in place to meet the quality assurance standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The challenge is to integrate these two similar, but different, structures into one efficient and effective mechanism for quality. One hospital's effort to develop a pilot program to combine total quality management/quality improvement and quality assurance in a cost-effective and efficient manner is described.