Quality Improvement in Health Facilities

Quality Improvement

At C-Tech, we are committed to the development and delivery of high-impact interventions that improve critical health services. We do this by actively integrating Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methods in our service delivery. Continuous Quality improvement (CQI) seeks to improve the quality of health care (as measured by a specific indicator) by identifying performance gaps, testing ideas to address the gaps, and using the data to rapidly develop and implement improvements that lead to sustainable change.

The quality improvement work provided through C-TECH brings together multidisciplinary teams from twenty-eight (28) treatment sites across the Island to work together towards a common goal. These teams are supported to implement CQI activities that improve health systems, including Viral Load (VL) testing, differentiated care strategies and virologic suppression monitoring. Our teams apply Quality Improvement (QI) methods to identify barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) monitoring as well as barriers preventing the achievement of virologic suppression.

C-TECH also provides technical assistance towards strengthening the health systems of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) in the following ways:

  • Test strategies to ensure VL tests are ordered according to national standards and guidelines;
  • Support the early identification of patients who are unsuppressed and provide the needed interventions;
  • Streamline communication between treatment centres and laboratories;
  • Shorten turnaround times between testing and results;
  • Facilitate the use of VL testing to improve patient care.

Successful changes are then “hardwired” or incorporated into standardized clinical practice.

C-Tech is oriented to a system of collaboration and continuous improvement of our Quality Improvement (QI) Teams. QI Teams participate in learning sessions where they: 1) receive training in new and emerging quality improvement methods, 2)  support and facilitate knowledge sharing of change concepts and results and 3) engage in a healthy exchange of ideas, practical know-how and good practices to inform and guide planning of upcoming improvement initiative within the health system.  Additionally, QI teams receive coaching from  trained QI Coaches, participate in webinars, use Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycles to test change ideas, and track  data.

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Joining Forces to Tackle NCDs!

Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Training and Education Center for Health (C-TECH) team of Consultants had a fruitful meeting with Dr. Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, on July 14, 2023. Joined by his NCD team at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we discussed the Caribbean Development Bank funded Caribbean Moves project. This initiative aims to improve the health of the Caribbean region and combat non-communicable diseases. Stay tuned for updates on our collaborative efforts!

A stressful work environment can contribute to several health issues both mentally and physically, these may include headache, insomnia, stomach-aches, anxiety, difficulty concentrating high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. 

It is important then that we take meaningful steps to ensure that we are manging our own personal space to avoid some of these issues. Our assumption, perception and expectation affect how we react to others and life situations and ultimately how we view how jobs. When assumption, expectations and perceptions are not met, we respond through our thought’s feelings and behaviours. It is important to practice positive thinking as our thoughts affects how we feel, and our feelings affects how we behave.

Here are some tips to help you with your work environment:

  • Seek for clarity instead of trying to convince yourself of what others are thinking
  • Refrain from personalisation, not everything mentioned is a direct attack on you
  • Invest in self care
  • Set limits
  • Proper nutrition
  • Connect with people

We often here people expressing how stressed they are feeling or how over worked they are, not having enough time to do the things they like such as spending time with friend and families or even a few self-care activities. We have watch families suffer due to long working hours as well as our jobs due to loss of interest and enthusiasm resulting from burnout. 

When workers are balanced and happy, they are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are more likely to stay in their jobs.

Here is how you can accomplish work life balance

At work    

  • Set manageable goals each day. 
  • Be efficient with your time at work. 
  • Take five. 
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Give yourself a break. 

         At Home

  • Don’t over commit. 
  • Get support. 
  • Stay active. 
  • Treat your body right. 
  • Get help if you need it. 

Tameca Dempster-Mattocks is an accomplished Associate Counseling Psychologist and Financial Counsellor, holding an M.Sc. Degree in Counselling and Social Work from Mico University College, along with multiple certifications in mental health from the University of Washington.

 

Currently, she holds the positions of Regional Psychologist – NERHA and Mental Health Program Coordinator at the Caribbean Training & Education Center for Health (C-TECH). Tameca has successfully managed regional mental health projects, overseeing and leading impactful initiatives that positively influence the mental well-being of individuals in the region. 

 

With a passion for community service, Tameca actively contributes to various private and charitable organizations, dedicating her time as a volunteer to support community members and at-risk youth.

Contact us for mental health support services

Telephone #: 8764161449

Email: wellness@ctech-caribbean.org