title: Collaboration to improve patient safety: the first domain of quality.
abstract: Media coverage of the effect of changes in healthcare reimbursement on quality-of-care issues such as patient safety, access, and utilization has been exhaustive. Coverage of the positive effect of quality improvement efforts of managed care organizations (MCOs) and hospitals, however, has been practically nonexistent. This article explores the similarities among issues and demands faced by hospitals and MCOs in complying with regulations, increased fiscal accountability, and diminishing healthcare resources while ensuring, monitoring, and documenting clinical quality-of-care outcomes. The benefits of collaborative relationships between hospitals and MCOs in addressing patient safety issues and other quality-of-care concerns are explored, and critical factors for success in the development of cooperative partnerships are identified.
authors: Tufts Health Plan, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Levy
authors: D R
authors: DR
authors: Lancaster
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006761:Hospitals; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D061214:Patient Safety; D058996:Quality Improvement; D011787:Quality of Health Care