CPHQ Certification CPHQ Passing Score

Explanation: Reviewing priorities, regulatory requirements, and goals is key to developing a quality improvement plan (D), guiding quality efforts. Competency checklists (A), survey teams (B), and bonus plans (C) are unrelated. NAHQ emphasizes these components for quality planning.

The upper and lower limits of a control chart are calculated from actual process measurements. These limits, often set at ±3 standard deviations from the process mean, represent the expected range of variation in the process due to common causes. Data points outside these limits may indicate the presence of special cause variation, signaling that the process is not in control and requires investigation.

Calculated by projecting future requirements (B): Control limits are based on current process performance, not future projections.

Derived from special cause variation (C): Control limits are established to identify special cause variation, not derived from it.

Derived from external regulatory standards (D): While external standards may influence quality goals, control limits are based on internal process data.

References

NAHQ Body of Knowledge: Process Control and Control Charts

NAHQ CPHQ Exam Preparation Materials: Understanding Control Limits and Process Variation

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Explanation: RCA identifies system factors (C), such as process or communication flaws, causing a sentinel event to prevent recurrence. Retraining (A) and process redesign (B) are potential outcomes, not RCA components. Reporting to accrediting bodies (D) follows RCA. NAHQ emphasizes system factor identification in RCA.

Before implementing a new patient service, the healthcare quality professional should recommend conducting a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). FMEA is a proactive tool used to identify potential failure points in a new process or service before they occur. This analysis helps to prioritize risks based on their severity, occurrence, and detectability, and to implement corrective actions to mitigate these risks. By using FMEA, the organization can enhance patient safety by addressing potential problems before they affect patients.

Developing a safety monitoring checklist (A): While useful, this step comes after identifying potential risks and failure modes through FMEA.

Conducting a root cause analysis (RCA) (B): RCA is a reactive tool used after anadverse event occurs, making it unsuitable for proactive risk assessment before implementing a new service.

Performing just-in-time staff safety training (D): While important, this should follow the identification of risks and implementation of safety measures based on the FMEA findings.

References

NAHQ Body of Knowledge: Risk Management and Patient Safety

NAHQ CPHQ Exam Preparation Materials: FMEA Process and Application

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