Which action is most appropriate if a quality goal is not met in patient care?

When a quality goal in patient care is not met, the most appropriate action is to evaluate the process for improvement. This involves a systematic review of the current practices to identify the underlying issues contributing to the failure in meeting the quality goal. By engaging in a thorough evaluation, healthcare providers can ascertain specific areas that require change, ensuring that the path forward is based on data and evidence rather than assumptions.

Addressing the process helps in fostering an environment of continuous quality improvement, enabling teams to implement targeted interventions that can lead to better outcomes. This action also allows for stakeholder involvement, as various staff members can contribute insights based on their interactions and experiences within the healthcare system, promoting a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility.

The other actions might not address the root cause of the problem effectively. For instance, ignoring the results would leave issues unaddressed and possibly allow them to persist over time. Changing patient care protocols may be premature without understanding why the goal wasn't met, as it could lead to unnecessary changes that do not resolve the underlying issues. Increasing patient education is valuable but would likely be more effective as part of a comprehensive improvement plan based on the evaluation of processes that led to the unmet goal. Ultimately, evaluating the process provides a solid foundation for making informed