Introduction
Quality improvement is a kind of approach that endeavors to formally and systematically improve the performance and efforts to raise the quality standards of a particular product or service. There are several ways in which quality improvement can be achieved. Some of the ways include FADE, PDSA, DMAIC, and Continuous Quality Improvement. Total Quality Management also falls in this category. All the above models aim at achieving the same thing which is an improvement. Thus, they are methods that are used to improve the performance and the efficiency of service. It is important to note that quality improvement is different in various sectors. Thus, topical issues in the industrial sector include product failure and work-related accidents. Topical issues in the administration sector include reducing re-work whereas, in the medical industry, the main focus is the reduction of medical errors and reduction of mortality.
Foundational frameworks for quality improvement
A framework for quality improvement is a system that is used to organize the way one thinks on issues concerning healthcare quality. Several frameworks have been developed about this. They include EFQM, MBQA, CCM, and HIVQUAL. EFQM is an organizational model that is used to improve the quality of management in any business organization. This model helps organizations to understand their key strengths and potential gaps that are in line with the organization’s vision. This framework also helps the organization to effectively communicate ideas, integrate existing and planned initiatives as well as provide a basic structure for the management of the organization (EFQM 2010).
The HIVQUAL is a program that is aimed at making quality improvement a reality in HIV programs. The main aim of developing this model was to help hospitals to develop a better quality program in the HIV care sector. An organization has to focus on those activities that are structurally programmed and projects that are viable for it to achieve quality improvement. The MBQA criterion is based on several elements which include leadership and strategic planning. Knowledge management and analysis are also some of the elements of MBQA.
Several reasons make many healthcare stakeholders define quality care differently. This happens mainly because there are different levels and departments within the healthcare sector. The HIV or chronic department of the healthcare sector will define care from a different perspective from other departments such as in the accident unit. It also makes sense for the overall body to define care differently from the more specific healthcare organizational sectors.
Clinicians must take the lead in driving improvement because they are the ones who work directly with the patients. They must build capability and capacity in their profession. Clinicians should also encourage a team approach as well as harness the patient’s power to improve the quality of their services. Patients on the other hand can give clues of how certain services can be improved. Patients should know how to talk to their doctors more effectively, prevent medical errors, and self-manage themselves to take charge of their health. By doing this patients will actively and effectively navigate through their health and therefore help their physicians manage them better in terms of their health. Quality management is needed in the health care industry because this will reduce unnecessary interventions and help healthcare institutions balance their resources. It also helps to avoid complications and to make the institutions get it right the first time (Boan & Funderburk 2003). The areas that must be monitored for quality include the health care quality indicators in terminal illnesses and other diseases such as cancer. The technological input of a healthcare facility must also be stocked with updated equipment.
Accrediting and regulatory organizations
Many organizations are involved in quality improvement. These accrediting bodies aim at making sure that the health care facilities are efficient and that they offer up-to-date services according to the current standards. The organizations also make sure that there is accountability in the entire health sector. A good example of such an organization is the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Another accrediting organization that acts as an advisory board in the healthcare sector is the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). It is therefore important for healthcare providers to ensure that they follow standards of care. This will enable them to be eligible for reimbursement of Medicare and Medicaid (eHow 2011). Several helpful resources and organizations affect quality improvement. The resources include primary care resources that can be sourced from literature and the internet. The resources can help improve the quality of services offered in a given healthcare facility.
Conclusion
Quality improvement is a kind of approach that endeavors to formally and systematically improve the performance and efforts to raise the quality standards of a particular product or service. Clinicians must take the lead in driving improvement because they are the ones who work directly with the patients. They must build capability and capacity in their profession. Accrediting bodies are involved in inspecting medical care providers. They aim at making sure that the health care facilities are efficient and that they offer up-to-date services according to the current standards.
Reference List
Boan, D. & Funderburk, F. (2003). Healthcare Quality Improvement and Organizational Culture. Delmarva Foundation. Web.
EHow. (2011). Definition of Quality Health Care. Web.
EQFM (2010). The EFQM Excellence Model. Web.