Quality Management Integration in Long-Term Care: Guidelines for Excellence

During this critical time, when long-term care facilities are being required by regulators and insurers to actively use quality-improvement processes, this outstanding resource provides the practical tools needed for the job. Instead of repeating the same, worn-out “band-aid” solutions, this innovative model called Quality Management Integration can help make systemwide evaluations and lasting improvements in care provision, plant management, and staff relations.

Maryjane G. Bradley, C.Q.M., C.Q.A., M.B.A., has been a quality management consultant (both internal and external consulting) since 1985. She has supported health care delivery in the long-term care industry, service organizations, and manufacturing companies. She holds degrees from Radcliffe College and Metropolitan State University and is certified as a quality manager (CQM) and a quality auditor (CQA) through the American Society for Quality. Ms. Bradley has served as a Certified Master Examiner in a number of organizations through the annual Minnesota Quality Awards since 1992. She has conducted numerous presentations of statistical process management techniques and train-the-trainer concepts at regional and national conferences. As adjunct faculty in the Minneapolis area, she has taught at both Metropolitan State University and Century College. She is a member of the American Society for Quality, the Quality Improvement Network for Long-Term Care and Seniors, and the Council of Independent Professional Consultants.

Nancy R. Thompson, R.N., has worked in health care for more than 20 years, especially in the areas of human resources and organizational development; almost half of her career has been spent as an internal quality consultant. She is Vice President of Organizational Performance for Ebenezer Society, a multifacility long-term care organization that is part of Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis. At Ebenezer, she is responsible for facilitating the implementation and maintenance of the quality management process and for integrating the QMI philosophy into day-to-day operations. Ms. Thompson has worked in for-profit, nonprofit, and government-owned long-term care organizations from the perspective of frontline care provider, supervisor, and middle and senior management. She constantly draws on this experience as she supports staff and managers who face rapid changes in long-term care and health care delivery systems. She has also provided consultation and training to professional organizations, acute and long-term health care organizations, colleges, universities, and community groups. Thompson has authored articles in PROVIDER, the professional journal of the American Health Care Association, and Nursing Home magazine. She is a member of numerous professional societies including the Association for Quality and Participation, the American Society for Training and Development, and the Quality Improvement Network for Long-Term Care and Seniors.