title: Using decision analysis to assess the quality of quality assurance.
abstract: Quality assurance is rapidly encroaching on the fields of epidemiology and infection control. If we are to lead this most recent revolution in medical care, we must ensure that our approach is structured, that we reassess our goals and methods regularly and that we achieve the maximal benefit from the resources we consume. According to Colloton, "Unless refined or replaced, the unsophisticated methodologies now emerging on several fronts will be used, with or without our endorsement, to assess the quality of care rendered within all of medical practice."
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Nettleman
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity