Reporting quality improvement data by key functions: one step closer to continuous quality improvement.
Medical care systems must demonstrate that they provide cost-effective, quality care if they are to remain viable in the wake of healthcare reform. A basic premise of continuous quality improvement is that an organization can measure and improve the performance of key functions (a group of goal-directed processes). Accordingly, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has been restructuring its accreditation manual, moving from department-specific standards to functional standards. In early 1992, our hospital began reporting quality improvement data by key functions rather than by service. As a result of this change, departments communicated and worked together better and more interdisciplinary efforts occurred, resulting in some dramatic improvements in the quality of care.
Musgrave
T
T
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Asheville, NC.
Fitts
J
J
D003625:Data Collection; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000592:standards; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015274:Interdepartmental Relations; D007591:Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D010934:Planning Techniques; D013714:Tennessee; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data