Purchase Solution

Essential Components of Quality in Healthcare

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

You are having a discussion with your co-workers about what constitutes "quality" in healthcare and why these are the essential components of quality.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Through discussion and example, what constitutes "quality" in healthcare and why these are the essential components of quality are highlighted.

Solution Preview

Hi,

Interesting question! There is no consensus on how to define "quality" but let's take a look at some of the measures that imply the important components of quality in health care.

RESPONSE:

1. You are having a discussion with your co-workers about what constitutes "quality" in healthcare and why these are the essential components of quality.

Getting quality health care can help people stay healthy and recover faster when she or he becomes sick. However, we know that often people do not get high-quality care. A 2004 study of 12 large U.S. communities found that just over half (54.9 percent) of people were receiving the care they needed.( http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/guidetoq/guidetoq6.htm) What exactly is health care quality? What constitutes "quality" in healthcare? We know that quality means different things to different people.

(1) Some people think that getting quality health care means RELATIONAL components of quality:

· Seeing the doctor right away,
· Being treated courteously by the doctor's staff, or
· Having the doctor spend a lot of time with them.

While the about things are important to all of us and part of the quality of care, e.g., builds trust between patient and health provider, etc.) clinical quality of care (see examples below) is even more important and has different components to consider.

(2) Clinical components of quality (e.g., measures to fix the health problem)

Why are these important? Think of it like this: getting quality health care is like taking your car to a mechanic. The people in the shop can be friendly and listen to your complaints, but the most important thing is whether they fix the problem with your car. Likewise, you might see the doctor right away, be treated courteously by the doctor's ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Crohn's Disease

How much do you know about this condition?

Stress Continuum

All humans experience stress and a certain level is motivating for learning. However, a high level of stress for prolonged periods of time may have a negative impact. This information focuses on the four stages of stress. Understanding stress assists in maintaining a healthy level.

CPR (Red Cross Standards)

Are you up to date on your CPR skills? Find out if you know what to do in an emergency with this quiz.

Managed Care Organizations

This quiz will test the basics of managed care organizations. It is important to know how our health care delivery system operates through managed care.

Test your health planning and program evaluation knowledge

Health planning and program evaluation is an important aspect of the Health Sciences' field. Organizations and communities must understand the needs of their audiences, and a way to obtain this datum is through proper design and assessment. This quiz will test your ability to understand the importance of planning and evaluation in the health sector.