title: Learning curves in health care.
abstract: This article explores the uses of learning curve theory in medicine. Though effective application of learning curve theory in health care can result in higher quality and lower cost, it is seldom methodically applied in clinical practice. Fundamental changes are necessary in the corporate culture of medicine in order to capitalize maximally on the benefits of learning.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, School of Medicine, and Department of Marketing, Information and Decision Sciences, Anderson Schools of Management, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
authors.forename: J Deane
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Waldman
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Yourstone
authors.forename: Howard L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019091:Critical Pathways; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006270:Health Facility Administrators; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D017145:Models, Educational; D009042:Motivation; D015279:Organizational Culture; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D024382:Professional Role; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014481:United States