Implementing a new automated notification system introduces potential risks that must be assessed proactively to ensure reliable performance and patient safety.
Option A (Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)): This is the correct answer. The NAHQ CPHQ study guide states, "FMEA is a proactive risk assessment tool used before implementing new systems to identify potential failures and mitigate risks" (Domain 4). For the notification system, FMEA could assess risks like missed alerts or incorrect routing.
Option B (Supplier-inputs-process-outputs-customers (SIPOC)): SIPOC maps processes, useful for understanding workflows but not for risk assessment.
Option C (Coordination of benefits (COB)): COB is a billing process, irrelevant to system implementation.
Option D (Root cause analysis (RCA)): RCA is reactive, used after incidents, not before system deployment.
CPHQ Objective Reference: Domain 4: Performance and Process Improvement, Objective 4.4, "Use proactive tools for new systems," emphasizes FMEA. The NAHQ study guide notes, "FMEA ensures safe implementation of new technologies" (Domain 4).
Rationale: FMEA proactively identifies risks in the notification system, aligning with CPHQ's improvement principles.
Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 4: Performance and Process Improvement, Objective 4.4.

Developing a patient safety program requires a comprehensive understanding of the organization's risks, priorities, and strategic direction to ensure the plan is aligned and effective.
Option A (Infection control data and accreditation results): While infection control data is relevant to safety, it is already partially covered by incident reports and performance indicators. Accreditation results provide compliance insights but are not foundational for planning.
Option B (Staff satisfaction and root cause analysis (RCA) data): Staff satisfaction is indirectly related to safety culture, and RCA data may be included in incident reports. Neither is the most critical missing piece for planning a broad safety program.
Option C (The facility risk assessment and strategic goals): This is the correct answer. NAHQ CPHQ study materials emphasize that a facility risk assessment (e.g., identifying high-risk processes like medication errors) and strategic goals (e.g., reducing harm events) are essential for developing a patient safety plan, as they provide context for prioritizing interventions and aligning with organizational objectives.
Option D (Physician satisfaction and financial goals): Physician satisfaction and financial goals are not directly tied to patient safety planning, which focuses on clinical and operational risks rather than provider morale or finances.
Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 1: Patient Safety, stresses the need for risk assessments and alignment with strategic goals in developing effective patient safety programs.

When a physician's readmission rate is significantly higher than their peers, the next step for a quality professional should be to review a sample of recent individual cases of the physician's readmissions (Option D). This will help identify any patterns or issues that could be contributing to the higher readmission rate12. Reporting the surgeon to the medical board (Option A) is a drastic step that should only be taken if there is evidence of serious misconduct or incompetence. Reviewing the physician's privileges against the procedures performed (Option B) could be useful, but it would not directly address the issue of the high readmission rate. Comparing the physician's readmission rate with peer physicians (Option C) has already been done, as stated in the question. Therefore, the most appropriate next step is to review individual cases to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons for the high readmission rate345.

Detailed Explanation:
Electronic health records (EHRs) provide real-time, individualized patient information, including medical history, medications, and discharge instructions, which are essential for educating heart failure patients effectively.
Option C: Electronic health records
EHRs can offer tailored information, such as medication instructions, symptoms to monitor, and lifestyle advice, specific to each patient.
Other Options:
Insurance claims data, satisfaction surveys, and registries do not provide patient-specific information needed for immediate educational interventions at discharge.
References:
CPHQ and healthcare resources support using EHRs for personalized patient education, particularly for chronic disease management.

According to the provided matrix, surgical site infections have high relative weight in both risk and volume, and also score the highest in terms of cost, indicating that they are frequent, carry significant risk, and are costly. While customer satisfaction is lower for urinary tract infections (UTIs), the higher relative weight and cost associated with surgical site infections suggest they have a more significant impact on overall quality and resource use. Therefore, focusing on reducing surgical site infections aligns with prioritizing initiatives that have the potential for the greatest impact on patient safety and resource utilization.
Reference: This recommendation is consistent with the NAHQ's emphasis on using data to prioritize quality initiatives, focusing on areas that have the highest impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. The NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework also discusses the importance of data analysis in the Performance and Process Improvement domain to prioritize improvements in healthcare quality and safety.