QA/QI Team Policies and Responsibilities

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Questions and Answers

What is the first action required if a QA/QI team member wishes to resign from the team?

Fill out an exit questionnaire

Notify the Medical Director verbally

Submit a feedback report to the EMS Division

Submit a letter to the Division Chief of EMS (correct)

Which scenario qualifies for automatic QA/QI review?

Patient transported by BCFR (correct)

Patient's family was present

Patient refused treatment

Patient with minor injuries

How much of the EMS call volume must be evaluated monthly by the QA/QI team?

25%

10%

20%

15% (correct)

Which of the following incidents would NOT automatically trigger a QA/QI review?

Patient received a standard check-up Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the QA/QI team regarding reports?

To review documentation for adherence to standards Signup and view all the answers

What type of information must be considered confidential by QA/QI team members?

Patient information Signup and view all the answers

How will reports be assigned among QA/QI team members for evaluation?

Equally distributed among team members Signup and view all the answers

Which action must be taken for reports not identified in the automatic review criteria?

They require explicit review requests Signup and view all the answers

What is required before notifying the QA/QI team member of each scheduled meeting date?

Ten-day advanced notice Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a QA/QI team member fails to submit their assignment before the scheduled QA/QI meeting?

They will not be paid for that month Signup and view all the answers

How often can QA/QI team members receive 'Additional Time' for their efforts?

Monthly Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for selecting new members of the QA/QI team?

The EMS Division Chief Signup and view all the answers

What must a new QA/QI team member complete upon acceptance?

A 'Commitment to EMS Quality Assurance Team' form Signup and view all the answers

What authority do QA/QI team members have regarding the electronic reporting system?

They can gain access for audit and review purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum continuing education credit that QA/QI team members can earn per licensing period?

Five (5) hours Signup and view all the answers

What may occur after two instances of inattention to QA/QI commitment from a member?

They may be removed from the QA/QI team Signup and view all the answers

What is a team member required to indicate on the incident report form?

If the incident met the requirements of the Guidelines Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of a Personal Improvement Plan (PIP)?

The EMS Division Chief or their designee Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if an employee is found to have a deficiency at their licensure level?

They may require a Personal Improvement Plan (PIP) Signup and view all the answers

For how long must Emergency Medical Service agencies retain Quality Assurance records?

Seven years Signup and view all the answers

Who cannot review their own EMS Reports as per the QA/QI guidelines?

All team members Signup and view all the answers

What may be developed based on the results of a written test or skills evaluation?

A Personal Improvement Plan (PIP) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must be submitted by the team member after completing the incident report?

The fully completed incident report to EMS Division Signup and view all the answers

What form of evaluation is typically included after the completion of a PIP?

A written test and/or skills evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Quality Assurance (QA) program in the context of EMS reports?

To review EMS incident records for appropriate care. Signup and view all the answers

What are the responsibilities of Company Officers/Paramedics in the QA/QI process?

To ensure incident reports are complete and accurate. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to EMS reports that meet predetermined criteria after completion?

They are sent directly to the EMS Division for review. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Quality Improvement (QI) team?

To implement preventive or corrective measures for deficiencies. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for assigning a QA/QI Officer?

The EMS Division Chief. Signup and view all the answers

How often is it mandated that EMS reports be reviewed?

Every EMS report at least once. Signup and view all the answers

What should Field Personnel do if they seek QA/QI outside of the standard criteria?

Check the designated box for special review. Signup and view all the answers

What documents guide the review of EMS reports in Bernalillo County?

State regulations and EMS protocols. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of the Policy

This policy outlines the selection process and responsibilities of the QA/QI team.
It clarifies the criteria for report review, assignment, and corrective action.
It addresses records management.

Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI)

QA reviews EMS reports to ensure appropriate care was provided.
QI addresses deficiencies and ensures continuous quality care.
Field personnel complete all EMS reports according to the EMS Report Writing Manual.

EMS Division Responsibilities

The EMS Division assigns the QA/QI Officer.
The EMS Division notifies team members of meetings.
They take attendance and minutes at meetings.
They issue continuing education credit for attending meetings.
They archive minutes and attendance rosters.
They bring significant protocol violations to the attention of the EMS Division Chief.
They develop training based on QA/QI issues.

QA/QI Team Selection, Compensation, and Privileges

Field personnel with EMT Paramedic licenses are eligible for the team.
The EMS Division Chief selects team members based on recommendations from the QA/QI Officer and existing team members.
Team members receive up to 5 hours of paid "Additional Time" per month for reviewing reports and completing assignments.
Team members receive up to 5 hours of continuing education credit per licensing period for attending monthly meetings.
Team members have access to the electronic reporting system for audit and review.

Criteria for Automatic Report Review

Reports automatically undergo QA/QI review if the patient died during EMS care after being contacted by EMS.
Reports will be reviewed if the patient was transported by Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue (BCFR).
Reports will require review if the patient received synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing.
Reports will require review if needle decompression of the chest was attempted or performed.
Reports will require review if the patient received an advanced airway or a tourniquet was used.

Assigning Reports for Evaluation

The QA/QI team reviews 15% of the monthly EMS call volume.
All reports identified in the automatic review criteria are reviewed.
Reports outside the automatic review criteria can be reviewed upon request.
The EMS Division or team members can request a report to be reviewed.

Incident Review by the QA/QI Team Member

The team holds a scheduled monthly meeting with a determined location.
Confidential patient information must be protected.
The QA/QI Team member reviews assigned reports on the electronic patient reporting system.
Team members fill out a form for each issue, documenting deficiencies or violations.
Team members present findings to the QA/QI Team at the next meeting.
The QA/QI Team contacts individuals whose reports were reviewed to discuss any issues or recognize exceptional care.
The QA/QI officer reviews reports and determines if corrective action is necessary.

Corrective Action and Remediation

A Personal Improvement Plan (PIP) is developed for employees showing deficiencies in care.
The PIP can involve written tests, skills evaluations, field training, or special assignments.
The EMS Division Chief or designee oversees the PIP.
The Fire Chief must approve any special assignments.
A final evaluation is administered upon completion of the PIP.
Evaluations can include written tests or skills evaluations to ensure remediation.

Records Management

EMS agencies are required to keep records of their QA/QI undertakings for seven years as per 7.27.10 NMAC.

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Description

This quiz covers the policies and responsibilities of the QA/QI team within the EMS Division. It includes the selection process, report review criteria, and continuous quality improvement practices. Review your understanding of how these elements contribute to effective emergency medical services.