Table 1 A practical strategic framework for improving quality
From: Improving the quality of care in health systems: towards better strategies
1. SET DIRECTION AND PRIORITIES: Set clear quality priorities with desired outcomes. 2. BRING CLARITY TO QUALITY: Set standards for what high quality care looks like in key areas. 3. MEASURE AND PUBLISH QUALITY: Harness information to improve quality of care through performance and quality reporting systems that provide feedback to providers of care at systemic, institutional or individual levels; and information to users and commissioners of services for accountability and choice. 4. RECOGNISE AND REWARD QUALITY: Recognise and reward improvement in the quality of care and service through financial and non-financial recognition (eg enhanced reputation or prestige). 5. SAFEGUARD QUALITY: Use regulation to improve health care, to guarantee minimum acceptable standards and to reassure the public about quality of care. 6. BUILD CAPABILITY: Improve leadership, management, professional and institutional culture, skills and behaviours to provide quality assurance and improvement. 7. STAY AHEAD: Develop research, innovation and planning to provide progressive, high quality care. |