Quality and outcomes management in the primary care practice.
In response to the trend away from thinking of health care as a commodity to one in which quality is a differentiating feature among providers, primary care practices must focus on outcomes management. This article reviews the various clinical and office-based processes that influence practice outcomes. These include patient management, chart management, practice guidelines, clinical pathways, case management, and patient information. The key to a quality program and successful outcomes management is a commitment on the part of physicians to managing these processes so that best outcomes are achievable.
Bender
A D
AD
School of Business Administration, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA.
Motley
R J
RJ
Pierotti
R J
RJ
Bischof
R O
RO
D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care