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.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Asheville, NC.
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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