Dimensions of Quality in Health Care Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are the key dimensions/components of quality in health care?
- Technical Competence
- Access to Services
- Effectiveness of Services/Standards
- Efficiency of Services
- Interpersonal Relations
- Continuity of Services
- Amenities
- Safety
- Choice of Services
These dimensions serve as critical indicators of the overall quality of health care provided.
How is Technical Competence defined in health care?
The degree to which health workers and facilities meet expectations of technical quality. Providers must have adequate knowledge and skills to deliver quality service.
Consistent application of knowledge and skills involves formal training, experience, on-the-job training, supervision, and continuing education.
What factors affect Access to Services in health care?
The degree to which healthcare services are unrestricted by barriers. Barriers include:
* Geographical/physical features
* Cost of services
* Attitudes (acceptability)
* Language or terminology
* Previous experiences (e.g., breach of confidentiality)
* Organizational management
These barriers can significantly impact individuals’ ability to receive care.
What does Effectiveness in health care entail?
The degree to which desired results of care are achieved. Achieving intended results according to schedule, relating to care processes and outcomes supported by scientific evidence.
Effectiveness can be measured using various indicators.
What is meant by Efficiency in health care?
Maximum performance with the least available resources. Maximizing quality of health care delivered for a given unit of resources.
Focuses on eliminating unnecessary steps and minimizing waste.
How is Safety defined in the context of health care?
The degree to which risks of injury, infection, or harmful side effects are minimized. A safe healthcare system reduces hazards and risks from care itself.
Safety is a critical aspect of quality in health care.
What are the key aspects of Interpersonal Relations in health care?
- Trust
- Respect
- Confidentiality
- Courtesy
- Responsiveness
- Empathy
- Effective listening
- Communication
Good interpersonal relations are important for building respect and credibility between providers and clients.
What does Continuity of care refer to?
Delivery of care by the same healthcare provider throughout the course of care. Timely referral and communication between providers.
Ensures services are continuously available to patients.
What role do Amenities play in health care quality?
Non-clinical aspects that increase patient satisfaction and willingness to return. Includes:
* Comfort
* Cleanliness
* Privacy
* Availability of reading materials
Amenities can greatly enhance the overall patient experience.
How does Choice impact health care quality?
Clients should have the option to choose providers, insurance plans, or treatments. Importance of informed choice, especially in reproductive health services.
Choice empowers patients and can lead to better health outcomes.
What is Patient-Centered Care?
Care that is respectful and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. Patients should be active participants in their care decisions.
This approach enhances patient satisfaction and engagement.
What is the significance of Timeliness in health care?
Relates to obtaining needed care while minimizing delays.
Timeliness is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
How does Equity relate to health care quality?
Providing health care of equal quality to individuals differing in personal characteristics other than clinical conditions.
Equity ensures that all patients have access to the same quality of care regardless of background.
What are common problems affecting quality dimensions in health care?
- Drug unavailability
- Lost lab reports
- Over-prescription
- Excessive waiting times
- Abusive health workers
- Lack of emergency transport
These problems can create significant barriers to quality health care.
What are examples of good and poor quality services in health care?
Good Quality:
* Proper maintenance of cold chain
* Courteous reception
* Appropriate treatment
Poor Quality:
* Inadequate patient education on medication
* Delayed salaries for health workers
These examples illustrate the variability in quality of service.
What are the conclusions regarding quality in health care?
- Quality has many interrelated components
- Lack of quality leads to gaps and high costs
- Teamwork is crucial for maintaining quality
- Quality focuses on both external and internal customers
Understanding these conclusions is essential for improving health care systems.
