Clinical quality management in Air Force optometry.
BACKGROUND
Promoting professional competence, providing quality care, and improving health care processes are issues of major importance in Air Force Optometry as well as the entire Air Force Medical Service.


METHODS
Clinical Quality Management is the mechanism through which these issues are addressed. Without a Quality Management Program, accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is impossible.


RESULTS
The two main components of Clinical Quality Management; the credentials/privileging process and quality assessment and improvement, are presented to discuss how they are used in Air Force Optometry.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical Quality Management is not a perfect management method, but it does force professionals and organizations to constantly assess themselves in order to effect improvements.
Williamson
J F
JF
12th Medical Group, Optometry Clinic, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4801, USA.
D000337:Aerospace Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009907:Optometry / Q000592:standards*; D011786:Quality Control; D017749:Total Quality Management