A team at a large ambulatory surgery center is interested in improving patient safety for...

The NAHQ CPHQ exam blueprint emphasizes the use of technology-enabled forcing functions and constraints as highly effective patient safety strategies. Forcing functions are system-level design features that prevent users from proceeding unless required safety steps are completed, thereby reducing reliance on memory or individual vigilance.

Option A best demonstrates effective use of technology to improve patient safety because it requires independent verification by a second staff member with a separate login before the process can continue. This technological safeguard prevents bypassing critical safety checks and reduces the risk of errors, aligning with CPHQ principles related to high-reliability organizations and error prevention.

Option B may introduce risk by reducing direct communication and does not inherently improve safety. Option C indicates increased workarounds, which signal system design problems and increased risk, not safety improvement. Option D reflects a reporting trend but does not necessarily confirm improved safety, as decreased reporting may indicate underreporting rather than fewer events.

The CPHQ framework prioritizes proactive system design, and technology that enforces correct processes is considered a best practice for sustaining patient safety improvements.