This post is one in a multi-part series on Compliance Program Success Factors. Start at the beginning: Compliance and Policy Procedures with OIG

It’s been a long journey- so far, we have covered the first 6 elements of creating an effective compliance program based on the recommendations of the OIG. (Policy & Procedures Requirements; Developing Policies & Procedures; Training & Education; Enforcement & Discipline; Exclusion Checks and  Monitoring and Internal Audit Systems).

We have come to the final element- response to problems and corrective actions.  We have developed systems to self-identify our problems. However, self-identifying the issues is only the first step. Next, we need to define how we will correct them and develop effective systems to ensure they don’t happen again.

In long term care we are very fond of acronyms-OIG, CMS, ZPIC, QAPI and the list continues.  Today I would like to throw PIP into the mix.  What is a PIP? It’s a Performance Improvement Plan- the system that measures success and quantifies our improvements plan.  A PIP is an essential part of the quality improvement plan but it’s a process that is applicable for any perceived issue that a facility might face.

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a concentrated effort to address a specific problem in the facility.  This can address one area of the facility or it can be facility-wide and it isn’t limited to clinical or quality of care issues.  A PIP can be initiated based on the recommendations of the compliance committee.  The process involves gathering information systematically to clarify issues or problems and intervening for improvements. The facility conducts PIPs to examine and improve care or services in areas that the facility identifies as needing attention. Areas that need attention will vary depending on the type of facility and the unique scope of services they provide.

CMS has some great resources and  guidance on their website. The first place I advise clients to start is by creating a Storyboard for the problem you are looking to solve.  What is a Storyboard? It’s a tool that staff can use to simply communicate the story of the proposed PIP.  It helps staff drill down to the most essential pieces of information and create clarity for what you are trying to accomplish.

CMS guide to QAPI recommends the following key content to Include in your Storyboard:

  1. Problem. One sentence on the issue or opportunity being addressed by this PIP.
  2. Aim. One sentence on what this PIP aims to achieve.
  3. Intervention(s). Briefly describe what change was introduced to address the problem or opportunity. If there was more than one change, use bullet points to list the multiple interventions.
  4. Measures/Indicators. List what measure(s) or indicator(s) are being used to monitor whether the change is effective.
  5. One to two sentences on the results. Consider including a graph with notes that gives a picture of the impact of the changes over time, or stories that describe the success.
  6. Lessons Learned. Document 1-2 key lessons that were learned through the PIP.
  7. Next Steps. Performance improvement is a continuous process. In one to two sentences, describe the next steps (e.g., to further refine the intervention; to introduce the change in other parts of the nursing home; to take steps to standardize the change).

What do I believe makes for a successful PIP?

  1. IDT Involvement: Get perspective from the entire team. For example, the maintenance manager sees things a floor nurse might not.
  2. A Clear Definition of the Problem: The team needs to be clear what the problem is and how will we measure the solution. I often encourage the team to drill down smaller and smaller- make your problem very specific so you can feel success and work through the process.  Afterall, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  3. Support From Administration: Support needs to come from the top.  Administration is interested in results and bottom line.  There must be buy-in to all PROCESSES and SYSTEMS.
  4. It’s A Real Solution, Not A Quick Fix: The main point to a PIP is not to be a band aid- or short-term fix but rather to dig deep and create systems to correct and monitor.

With this review of Element 7, we have outlined the OIG recommendations for implementing a Compliance Program in a long-term care facility, specifically around responding to problems and taking corrective action.  The next step in this series is examining what CMS is looking for in their mandated compliance program and how it reflects the OIG recommendations.  Nothing is simple, right?