The Effects of Quality Assurance System Implementation on Work Well-Being and Patient Safety: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

Anni Vuohijoki; Mira Huusko; Leena Ristolainen; Pipsa Hakasaari; Hannu Kautiainen; Juhana Leppilahti; Sanna-Maria Kivivuori; Heikki Hurri

doi:10.2196/45200

The Effects of Quality Assurance System Implementation on Work Well-Being and Patient Safety: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

JMIR Res Protoc. 2023 Nov 23:12:e45200. doi: 10.2196/45200.

Authors

Anni Vuohijoki^{1

2}, Mira Huusko³, Leena Ristolainen², Pipsa Hakasaari², Hannu Kautiainen^{4

5}, Juhana Leppilahti⁶, Sanna-Maria Kivivuori⁷, Heikki Hurri²

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
² Research Institute Orton, Helsinki, Finland.
³ Finnish Education Evaluation Centre, Helsinki, Finland.
⁴ Primary Health Care Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
⁵ Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.
⁶ Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
⁷ Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

PMID: 37995119
PMCID: PMC10704332
DOI: 10.2196/45200

Abstract

Background: Systematic monitoring of work atmosphere and patient safety incidents is a necessary part of a quality assurance system, particularly an accredited system like the Joint Commission International (JCI). How the implementation of quality assurance systems affects well-being at work and patient safety is unclear. Evidence shows that accreditation improves workplace atmosphere and well-being. Thus, the assumption that an increase in employees' well-being at work improves patient safety is reasonable.

Objective: This study aims to describe the protocol for monitoring the effects of implementing the quality assurance system of JCI at Orton Orthopedic Hospital on employees' well-being (primary outcome) and patient safety (secondary outcome).

Methods: Quantitative (questionnaires and register data) and qualitative (semistructured interviews) methods will be used. In addition, quantitative data will be collected from register data. Both quantitative and register data will be analyzed. Register data analysis will be performed using generalized linear models with an appropriate distribution and link function. The study timeline covers the time before, during, and after the start of the accreditation process. The collected data will be used to compare job satisfaction, as a part of the well-being questionnaire, and the development of patient safety during the accreditation process.

Results: The results of the quality assurance system implementation illuminate its possible effects on the patient's safety and job satisfaction. The repeatability and internal consistency reliability of the well-being questionnaire will be reported. Data collection will begin in May, 2024. It will be followed by data analysis and the results are expected to be published by 2025.

Conclusions: The planned study will contribute to the evaluation of the effects of JCI accreditation in terms of well-being at work and patient safety.

International registered report identifier (irrid): PRR1-10.2196/45200.

Keywords: JCI; Joint Commission International; health and safety; human resource management; organizational development; quality in health care.

©Anni Vuohijoki, Mira Huusko, Leena Ristolainen, Pipsa Hakasaari, Hannu Kautiainen, Juhana Leppilahti, Sanna-Maria Kivivuori, Heikki Hurri. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 23.11.2023.