A medication administration workaround is the best example of a non-value-added step in the healthcare environment. Workarounds are typically informal practices that staff develop to bypass perceived inefficiencies or obstacles in standard processes. These steps often add no value to patient care and can introduce risks, making them non-value-added activities that should be identified and eliminated in the pursuit of process improvement.
Medication double checks (A): Although time-consuming, this step adds value by enhancing patient safety.
Medication reconciliation at transfer (B): This process is critical for ensuring accuracy and continuity of care, making it value-added.
Medication verbal order read-back (C): This practice is an important safety step to confirm that orders are understood correctly.
References
NAHQ Body of Knowledge: Value-Added and Non-Value-Added Activities in Healthcare NAHQ CPHQ Exam Preparation Materials: Identifying and Eliminating Non-Value-Added Steps
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Monitoring patient outcomes is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of a quality improvement project.
According to the NAHQ CPHQ Detailed Content Outline, under the Performance and Process Improvement domain, professionals are expected to "evaluate the success of performance improvement projects and solutions" by assessing outcome measures.cdn.nahq.org In the context of a transfusion quality improvement project, this involves tracking patient outcomes such as transfusion reactions, hemoglobin levels post-transfusion, and overall patient recovery metrics to determine if the interventions led to measurable improvements in patient care.

Engaging meeting participants requires active facilitation techniques to maintain focus, encourage participation, and achieve objectives.
Option A (Assigning a timekeeper among the meeting participants): A timekeeper helps manage time but does not directly engage participants in discussion or decision-making.
Option B (Sending out the meeting agenda one day prior to the meeting): An agenda prepares participants but does not ensure engagement during the meeting itself.
Option C (Using facilitative approaches during the meeting): This is the correct answer. The NAHQ CPHQ study guide states, "Facilitative approaches, such as encouraging input, managing group dynamics, and using interactive techniques, keep participants engaged and productive in meetings" (Domain 3). Examples include asking open-ended questions or using brainstorming.
Option D (Having the support items readily available before the meeting): Support items (e.g., handouts) aid preparation but do not actively engage participants during the meeting.
CPHQ Objective Reference: Domain 3: Organizational Leadership, Objective 3.2, "Facilitate effective meetings," emphasizes facilitative approaches for engagement. The NAHQ study guide notes, "Facilitation techniques are critical for maintaining participant involvement and achieving meeting goals" (Domain 3).
Rationale: Facilitative approaches actively involve participants, ensuring engagement and productivity, as per CPHQ's leadership principles.
Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 3: Organizational Leadership, Objective 3.2.