05 | Monitor Meal Service and Establish Continuous Quality Improvement
To ensure that audits occur, it is a good idea to create a schedule for audits and assign responsibility on a calendar. A monitoring or audit plan will help to ensure that audits are completed on a timely basis.
In addition to monitoring that audits are taking place, the CDM, CFPP also needs to be monitoring the changes that have been implemented through the QAPI process. Based on the data being collected are the changes via the QAPI responses leading to improved quality?
Chapter Summary
The quality of meal service is a vital function of the dining services department. The CDM, CFPP plays a critical role in assuring that quality of dining services meets the needs of the clients and the quality standards set by the facility and regulatory authorities. The CDM, CFPP is tasked with verifying quality through the monitoring of diet accuracy, portion sizes, temperature, texture, and appearance. The CDM, CFPP should have a mindset focused on continuous improvement of foodservice processes. QAPI provides a framework for continuous improvement by defining objectives and standards for foodservice, implementing auditing tools to determine the effectiveness of quality indicators, analyzing and interpreting data for reports, implementing changes, and monitoring the process. Ultimately, QAPI can be both reactive and proactive, and its principles and tools lead to data-driven change for improvement. The goal of every organization should be to exceed client expectations and provide exceptional service and continuous improvement, but this often necessitates a cultural change, requiring support and resources from all levels in the organization. However, the investment will pay great dividends, including better quality, outcomes, efficiency, client satisfaction, and overall success of the organization.
Continuous improvement in foodservice, driven by QAPI, helps exceed client expectations and enhances overall quality, satisfaction, and success.