Governance for quality: getting to the heart of it.
This article discusses the information a board needs to ensure that a systematic and strategic approach is taken to the management of quality throughout the organization; the outcomes of care/service meet professional standards, external requirements and key expectations of clients; and care/service is continually being improved. A practical framework for the reporting of quality management issues and their implications is provided, within the context of a chronic care/long-term care setting with multiple levels of care. The constraints presented by issue-based reporting are also addressed briefly.
Macdonald
M
M
Sisters of Charity of Ottawa Health Service, Ontario, Canada.
Boulianne
R
R
D002170:Canada; D006075:Governing Board / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006270:Health Facility Administrators; D007857:Leadership; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000592:standards*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010820:Physicians; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D012941:Social Responsibility; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*