title: What is quality, and how is it measured?
abstract: There is currently no universally accepted definition of "quality of care." This article describes two aspects of measurement that contribute to an assessment of quality--the perception of quality of care held by patients and comparisons of clinical care to established standards. Ongoing monitors that lead to this assessment of quality in a large HMO are described in detail. They include patient satisfaction surveys, quality of care evaluations, comparative medical expense reports, cost-effectiveness studies, and a unique physician incentive bonus plan.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Beloff
mesh_terms: D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005431:Florida; D007193:Independent Practice Associations / Q000592:standards*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010816:Physician Incentive Plans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires