Quality- "the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increased the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current profesional knowledge." (Institute of Medicine)
Quality is becoming increasingly important. Activists are trying to demand this high quality care from managed-care plans and health care providers. Quality measurement studies are being conducted in all aspects of health care. Quality improvements can be accomplished through various diverse components. Each type of intervention requires its own particular measurement of quality.
Below is a list of organizations and documents on the web that have
information on "Quality Measurement and Improvement." Many past and present
studies are listed. Also, the challenges of quality measurement and improvement
are explained in the websites. I have rated the websites according to importance
with five stars being the highest.
1. The National Coalition On Health Care *****
Why the Quality of US Health Care Must Be Improved
This site helps explain the importance for measuring and improving quality.
Various factors are listed that are needed for an effective quality monitoring
and assessment system. Also, the site explains how to use the quality information
to improve the quality of care. For example, one can find quality measurements
linked to reimbursements too.
2. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research ****
Quality Of Care
This organization has various research activities in quality measurement
and improvement. Studies on quality focus on different topics such as therapeutic
areas, health care providers, service, etc… Quality measurement and improvement
is becoming the major focus.
3. Key Concerns Regarding Quality Measurment ****
Even though quality measurement seems to be beneficial, there are some
concerns. This site identifies five major challenges regarding current
quality measurement activities: raised expectations, responsive quality
measurements, data accuracy, filling the gaps, and translating the data.
4. Quality Measurement Advisory Service ***
This site provides state and local health care coalitions help in measuring
health care quality for value-based purchasing and other purposes. Guides
for quality measurement tool are offered through some highly reputable
organizations in this site.
5. CONQUEST Fact Sheet ***
Computers are essential in today's world. Conquest is a software tool
that identifies, compares, evaluates, and selects measures to assess and
improves clinical performance. This may be an essential tool that may be
beneficial in performing outcomes. This site may be slightly more difficult
to comprehend because downloading is involved in order to see the demo
of this software measurement tool.
Documents
1. The Movement for Improved Quality in Health Care *****
This articles state the current problems in health care services and
treatments. Strategies are written for quality improvement. Also, six strong
organizations are listed who are involved in quality improvement.
2. Performance Measurement-The Managed Care Group ****
Performance Measurement is usually a long-term, complex, costly and
time-consuming activity. The article explains the attributes of performance
measurement in managed health care. The industry leaders in performance
measurement are highly credited in the article. Lastly, the future needs
are emphasized for performance measurement.
3. Physician Payment Review Commission's 1996-97 Workplan-Issues Relating to Quality ***
Physicians must provide their quality measurements and improvements
through various forms such as report cards. The most optimal care must
be given to patients from physicians. This article explains certain quality
standards that are implemented for physicians.
4. AHCPR Studies Suggest Quality Improvements ***
This article summarizes five papers that present findings and suggestions for quality improvement. The conclusions of these papers show that improvements can be made through various activities.
This article lists a summary of completed and current quality improvement studies. The outcomes of these studies are also written.
| Note: The information below may contain additional relevant materials and documents. Some of the information may be duplicate. The evaluations depend on both the student doing the review and the information contained at the time of the review. Sites are subject to change! |