Which of the following is a key component of patient-centered care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respect for patient preferences. Patient-centered care focuses on involving patients in the decision-making process and respecting their values, preferences, and needs. This approach emphasizes open communication, shared decision-making, and individualized care. Choice A is incorrect because patient-centered care prioritizes patient preferences over provider preferences. Choice B is incorrect as timely discharge is not a key component of patient-centered care. Choice D is incorrect as patient-centered care goes beyond clinical outcomes to consider holistic well-being and patient satisfaction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The main purpose of a utilization review is to evaluate patient outcomes. This process involves assessing the appropriateness, necessity, and quality of healthcare services provided to patients. By evaluating patient outcomes, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive effective and efficient care, leading to better health outcomes. Choice B (Ensure compliance with regulations) is incorrect because while utilization review may involve ensuring compliance with regulations, it is not the primary purpose of the process. Choice C (Reduce hospital readmissions) is incorrect as reducing hospital readmissions is a specific goal within healthcare quality improvement initiatives, but it is not the main purpose of utilization review. Choice D (Assess financial impact) is incorrect as while financial considerations may play a role in utilization review, the primary focus is on evaluating patient outcomes rather than financial implications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Smart infusion pumps. A smart infusion pump is an example of a CDSS as it helps healthcare providers in administering medications accurately by providing alerts, dosage calculations, and other decision support tools. This system enhances patient safety and clinical outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Electronic health record (EHR) - While EHRs store and manage patient health information, they do not provide decision support features like CDSS. B: Barcode medication administration - While barcoding helps in verifying medication administration, it is not a CDSS that provides clinical decision support. D: Automated drug dispensing system - While these systems help in dispensing medications accurately, they do not provide clinical decision support tools like smart infusion pumps do.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because evidence-based practice (EBP) involves integrating clinical expertise with the best available research evidence and considering patient preferences. This approach ensures that decisions are informed by both the clinician's experience and the most current and relevant research findings, leading to the most effective and individualized patient care. Choice A is incorrect as it solely relies on clinical expertise without considering research evidence. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests solely relying on research findings, neglecting the importance of clinical judgment. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on following institutional guidelines rather than on the integration of clinical expertise and research evidence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To ensure patient safety and quality care. Healthcare accreditation programs aim to establish and maintain standards for healthcare facilities to ensure that patients receive safe and high-quality care. This objective prioritizes patient well-being and satisfaction over financial gain (A), operational efficiency (C), or reducing readmissions (D). Patient safety and quality care are fundamental principles in healthcare accreditation to enhance overall healthcare outcomes and patient experience.