D159: Shared Governance Implementation in Home Care Programs

D159: Shared Governance Implementation in Home Care Programs

Student Name

Western Governors University

D159 Evidence-Based Measures for Evaluating Healthcare Improvements

Prof. Name:

Date

D159: Shared Governance Implementation in Home Care Programs

My health improvement project focuses on introducing a shared governance model within the Home & Community-Based Care department at the Iron Mountain Veterans Affairs facility. To evaluate the success of this initiative, the team identified three crucial data elements: measuring staff knowledge about shared governance before and after educational interventions and tracking the number of performance improvement projects initiated by frontline staff.

The first data element consists of a pre-education survey that captures baseline knowledge of shared governance among frontline staff. Since staff may vary widely in their prior exposure to shared governance concepts depending on their career trajectory or previous involvement, this initial survey helps identify knowledge gaps. The second data element is a post-education survey, designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational content and whether it successfully conveys shared governance fundamentals. This education also encourages staff to apply shared governance principles in problem-solving within their department. The third element monitors the initiation and implementation of performance improvement projects by frontline staff, reflecting practical application of shared governance knowledge.

Huebner and Zacher (2021) emphasize the importance of employee surveys in organizational development, noting that follow-up actions and planning after surveys are often overlooked despite their critical role in driving improvements.

Data Management Plan

What is the source of data for the project?

The primary data source is a digital survey administered to frontline staff before and after the educational intervention. The pre-education survey establishes the baseline understanding of shared governance, while the post-education survey measures knowledge gains.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2020), data is essential for developing workflows, quality reporting, and improvement incentives within healthcare settings. Aggregated practice-level data enable continuous quality improvement efforts, process refinement, and better patient outcomes. However, data alone is ineffective unless integrated into a structured quality improvement framework.

The surveys will be conducted via an encrypted digital platform accessible only on VA-issued computers to maintain data confidentiality and protect staff identities. Survey results will be reviewed exclusively by the project team and relevant stakeholders on secure VA systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Deliverables

The deliverables aligned with these KPIs include an increase in frontline staff knowledge about shared governance and more frequent problem-solving activities initiated by staff. This progress reflects staff empowerment and accountability, which are essential components of shared governance.

The project team set an internal benchmark: achieving a 30% increase in staff knowledge about shared governance by July 31, 2025. This target ensures that the educational interventions are both effective and relevant to the Home & Community-Based Care department.

Data Collection and Analysis Methods

How will the data be collected and analyzed?

Surveys will be administered digitally, with multiple-choice questions focused on core shared governance concepts. The pre-education survey also gathers input on staff perceptions of how shared governance could be applied in their roles and preferred educational delivery methods.

Response rates for both surveys will be monitored closely. The pre-education survey results will inform adjustments to the educational content to better address knowledge gaps.

Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze survey responses, specifically calculating the percentage of correct answers and overall completion rates. Data visualization will include bar graphs comparing pre- and post-education survey results and pie charts illustrating staff suggestions for shared governance-based improvement projects.

Houser (2023) explains that effective data analysis drives informed decision-making, employing techniques such as descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics depending on the goal. Applying appropriate analysis methods is crucial to achieving meaningful insights from the data.

Potential Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

What barriers might impact the project’s success?

A significant risk is low participation in survey completion, which could bias the results. Another challenge is gaining buy-in from both leadership and frontline staff, especially during a period of federal changes that may cause uncertainty among VA employees.

Despite these challenges, the project offers considerable value by empowering staff to take ownership of their professional development. Through education, staff are expected to appreciate the benefits of shared governance, leading to increased engagement and problem-solving ownership.

Dissemination of Results

After data collection and analysis, results will be shared with the Pathway to Excellence team to assess whether early shared governance education should be adopted department-wide. The High Reliability Organization (HRO) lead will be informed to encourage participation in additional training programs such as Yellow Belt or Green Belt process improvement initiatives.

If successful, the shared governance rollout strategy will be shared with other department leaders for replication across the facility.

Project Closure and Sustainability

How will the project conclude and be sustained?

As a token of appreciation, frontline staff will receive treats for their participation in the surveys and educational sessions. Personalized thank-you notes will be sent to stakeholders and team members acknowledging their contributions.

Sustainability depends on continued shared governance development by the Pathway to Excellence team lead, who will support ongoing education for new staff and encourage participation in organizational change initiatives. The Nurse Practice Council will play a vital role in fostering a culture of engagement and shared governance, which is linked to improved patient outcomes.

Brennan and Wendt (2021) highlight that shared governance fosters ownership, accountability, empowerment, leadership, and innovation among frontline staff, all critical to sustaining practice excellence.

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2020). Collect and use data for quality improvement. https://integrationacademy.ahrq.gov/products/playbooks/behavioral-health-and-primary-care/implementing-plan/collect-and-use-data-quality-improvement

Brennan, D., & Wendt, L. (2021). Increasing quality and patient outcomes with staff engagement and shared governance. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-26-2021/number-2-may-2021/articles-on-previously-published-topics/increasingquality-and-patient-outcomes/

Houser, S. (2023, October 9). Data analytics concepts for health information professionals. Journal of AHIMA. https://journal.ahima.org/page/data-analytics-concepts-for-health-information-professionals

Huebner, L.-A., & Zacher, H. (2021). Following up on employee surveys: A conceptual framework and systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 696732. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8696015/