Table 2 Elements of continuous quality improvements
Element | Description |
|---|---|
Systems-view | Emphasis on analysis of the whole system providing a service, or influencing an outcome |
Customer focus | Emphasis on both customer (patient, provider, payer) satisfaction and health outcomes as performance measures |
Data-driven analysis | Emphasis on gathering and use of objective data on system operations and system performance |
Implementer involvement | Emphasis on involving the owners of all components of the system in seeking a common understanding of its delivery process |
Multiple causation | Emphasis on identifying the multiple root causes of a set of system phenomena |
Solution identification | Emphasis on seeking a set of solutions that enhance overall system performance though simultaneous improvements in a number of normally independent functions |
Process optimisation | Emphasis on optimising a delivery process to meet customer needs regardless of existing precedents, and on implementing the system changes regardless of existing territories and fiefdoms |
Continuing improvement | Emphasis on continuing the systems analysis, even when a satisfactory solution to the presenting problem is obtained |
Organisational learning | Emphasis on organisational learning so that the capacity of the organisation to generate process improvement and foster personal growth is enhanced |