Specifying Quality in Health Care

Abstract

Quality should be a central issue in the commissioning and provision of health care. This requires a systematic approach to defining and monitoring quality. Such an approach should address: quality characteristics such as efficiency, accessibility, effectiveness (which may conflict with each other); the several levels at which quality may be specified, from general (across all health care) to specific (particular conditions or patient groups); and the methods of quality monitoring which include documented policies, clinical audit, inspection visits/patient surveys, and routine information returns. Shows how a matrix for quality surveillance can be devised which provides a framework for purchasers and providers to work together in developing quality in health care.

Citation

Bull, A. (1994), "Specifying Quality in Health Care", Journal of Management in Medicine, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 5-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000003873