Understanding Quality In Health Care

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Understanding Quality Quality in health care “consist of the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes (quality principles), are consistent with current professional knowledge (professional practitioner skills), and meet the expectations of the healthcare users (the marketplace)” (Buttell, 2007, p. 62). Quality in health care is important in that patient care should be safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. For these reasons it is important that health care facilities have quality policy procedures as well as following these policies and procedures. In addition, the Institute of Medicine has played a part in improving quality policies by…show more content…
The facility has changed the outdated IV pumps with the new smart pumps, which improves medication safety. The facility also implemented the use of computerized positive identification systems at the bedside of patients, which uses barcode reader. This new system reduces errors involving the drawing of blood. In addition, the facility has improved quality and safety by implementing an automated blood bank analyzer that scan a bar-code before distributing to a patient. WMHS has “added electronic medication reconciliation into Meditech to reduce medication errors” (Western Maryland Health System, 2013, p. 1) as well. The facility also provides a safe and secure environment for patients. By making these changes, the facility has improved quality, safety, and effective patient…show more content…
It is also important for health care facilities to implement quality policies in an effort to promote quality care. The WMHS staff members are committed to providing patients with the highest level of quality care. The quality policy of WMHS has improved outcomes through patient-centered care. One such quality improvement involves the implementation of a new Palliative Care program that supports the treatment of individuals with life-threatening illnesses. In addition, WMHS quality policy has improved patient safety through the implementation of a computerized positive identification system, which reduces errors involving the drawing of blood. To improve the quality of care, the staff members work together as a team. The staff is also informed of any new programs and changes in health care. However, the policy is missing some key issues regarding quality. These issues include the overuse, underuse, and misuse of health services as well as tending to patients in a timely manner. The policy is also missing quality improvements for outcomes, such as surgery outcomes. In order for a quality policy to be successful, these issues must be included as well because these are important factors for improving

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