* A scatter diagram is a graphical tool that displays the relationship between two variables by plotting pairs of data points on a coordinate plane. It can help identify possible correlations, trends, outliers, and patterns in the data.
* A Pareto chart is a type of bar chart that shows the frequency or impact of different factors or causes in descending order, along with a cumulative line that indicates the percentage of the total. It can help prioritize the most significant issues or opportunities for improvement.
* A fishbone diagram is a visual tool that helps identify the root causes of a problem or effect by organizing possible factors into categories, such as people, process, environment, etc. It can help facilitate brainstorming and root cause analysis.
* A histogram is a type of bar chart that shows the distribution of a continuous variable by grouping the data into bins of equal width and displaying the frequency or count of each bin. It can help describe the shape, center, spread, and outliers of the data.
* In this case, the long-term care facility wants to analyze the relationship between two variables: the number of medications and the number of falls. Therefore, a scatter diagram is the most appropriate tool to help them understand the data. A scatter diagram can show if there is a positive, negative, or no correlation between the two variables, and how strong or weak the correlation is. It can also reveal any outliers or clusters of data points that may indicate other factors affecting the relationship.
* A Pareto chart, a fishbone diagram, and a histogram are not suitable tools for this purpose, as they do not show the relationship between two variables. A Pareto chart can show the relative importance of different factors or causes, but not how they are related to each other. A fishbone diagram can help identify the possible causes of a problem or effect, but not how they are quantitatively related to each other. A histogram can show the distribution of a single variable, but not how it is influenced by another variable.
References:
NAHQ Learning Lab: The Role of the Healthcare Quality Professional in Population Health Management, Module 3: Data Collection and Analysis, Slide 17: Scatter Diagram NAHQ HQ Principles, Module 2: Data Management, Lesson 2.3: Data Analysis Tools, Topic 2.3.4: Scatter Diagram NAHQ Journal for Healthcare Quality, Volume 42, Issue 5, September/October 2020, Article: Utilization of Improvement Methodologies by Healthcare Quality Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Page
284: Figure 2. Scatterplot of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths by State as of June 30, 2020

The board's actions reflect a deliberate focus on ensuring the palliative care unit's success through evidence- based practices, staff preparation, and performance monitoring.
Option A (High-level strategic planning): While strategic, the actions are specific to quality implementation, not broad strategic planning.
Option B (A board's need to manage patient care): Boards oversee governance, not direct patient care management.
Option C (A commitment to quality): This is the correct answer. The NAHQ CPHQ study guide states,
"Authorizing best practice reviews, staff training, and performance monitoring demonstrates a board's commitment to quality in new initiatives" (Domain 3). These actions ensure high-quality palliative care delivery.
Option D (The importance of competence and training): Training is one component, but the broader commitment includes best practices and monitoring, not just competence.
CPHQ Objective Reference: Domain 3: Organizational Leadership, Objective 3.1, "Support quality through governance," emphasizes board actions for quality. The NAHQ study guide notes, "Boards demonstrate quality commitment through resource allocation and oversight" (Domain 3).
Rationale: The board's actions prioritize quality through best practices, training, and monitoring, aligning with CPHQ's leadership principles.
Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 3: Organizational Leadership, Objective 3.1.

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Before implementing a new infection prevention protocol in a clinic, the first step for a quality professional should be to solicit support from key stakeholders.
This step is crucial for several reasons:
Building Consensus and Buy-In: Gaining the support of key stakeholders, such as clinic leadership, department heads, and influential staff members, is critical for the successful implementation of the new protocol. Without their buy-in, the protocol may face resistance, which can hinder its effectiveness.
Resource Allocation: Key stakeholders often control the resources-both financial and human-that are necessary for the implementation of new protocols. Their support ensures that the necessary resources are allocated and that the protocol is prioritized within the organization.
Ensuring Alignment with Organizational Goals: Engaging stakeholders ensures that the new protocol aligns with the clinic's broader goals and priorities. This alignment increases the likelihood that the protocol will be integrated smoothly into existing practices and will be supported by ongoing quality improvement efforts.
Facilitating Communication and Education: Once stakeholder support is secured, they can help champion the protocol, assist with communication efforts, and advocate for necessary staff education and training, all of which are critical for successful implementation.
Reference: (Based on Healthcare Quality NAHQ documents and resources)
NAHQ Modules on Stakeholder Engagement.
CPHQ Study Guide, Section on Leadership and Communication.
Quality Improvement in Healthcare, Article on Implementing New Protocols.