Introduction to Quality in Health Care Part One Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is the definition of quality in health care?
Quality is a measure of how good something is.
Oxford English Dictionary: “the degree or grade of excellence.” IOM: “the degree to which health services increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.”
What is the consolidated definition of quality in health care?
Carrying out interventions correctly according to pre-established standards and procedures to satisfy health system customers and maximize results without generating health risks or unnecessary costs.
Why is it important to focus on quality in health care?
Poor quality of services and inefficient resource use.
* Expected health outcomes are not achieved
* Patient expectations are unmet
* Wide variations in health care standards
* Accumulated knowledge and experience in enhancing health care quality.
What are the origins of quality in health care?
Product inspection began in Great Britain in the mid-1750s.
* Quality became critical during the World War effort in the US
* Post-WWII quality revolution in Japan aimed at improving organizational processes
* Birth of total quality in the US was a response to the Japanese revolution.
What is Quality Improvement (QI)?
A cyclic process of measuring performance gaps, understanding causes, testing and implementing interventions, studying effects, and planning corrective actions.
What are the benefits of Quality Improvement?
Improves patient or clinical outcomes.
* Saves costs associated with process failures and poor outcomes
* Helps achieve program-related goals and objectives
* Provides solutions to program-related challenges
* May improve communication within programs.
What is Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)?
A continuous and cyclical process of QI involving identifying areas for improvement, outlining activities to solve problems, and implementing them.
What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?
A method to improve performance at every operational level using all available resources.
* Aims to reduce waste and costs of poor quality
* Main elements include:
* Customer needs as paramount
* Teamwork as a means of achieving quality
* Scientific approach to decision-making based on data collection and analysis.
What is Quality Assurance (QA)?
Activities that define standards, measure, and improve service performance to ensure effective care.
How does Quality Control (QC) function in health care?
Refers to activities that evaluate, monitor, or regulate services rendered to consumers.
What is the Quality Control Process?
An 8-step process for monitoring and evaluating performance:
* Establish control criteria
* Identify relevant information
* Determine ways to collect information
* Collect and analyze information
* Compare collected information with established criteria
* Make a judgment about quality
* Provide information and take corrective action if necessary
* Determine when re-evaluation is needed.
